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Where are our Alumni? As we celebrate over 40 years of music making, please share your memories and stories of your time in the orchestras. These will be included on our website and in future issues of Vivace! Lisa (Davenport) Gray (AYP, 1995-97, violin) received a Bachelor's of Music from the Eastman School of Music in 2001. Currently she plays with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra in New London, CT, and teaches private lessons at home and as a faculty member of the Community Music School in Essex, CT. Lisa also gives recitals at various retirement communities and just made a CD from her most recent performance last month for the Old Saybrook Woman's Club. She writes, "I am a mother which keeps me pretty busy! I married in 2001 to Jason Gray and now have Holly age 4 and Justin age 1. Guess that is me in a snapshot!" Rachelle Hunt (AYP, 2001-2004, violin) will graduate with a Bachelor of Music from Rice University in 2008, after which she will pursue studies in Germany with the support of a Fulbright Scholarship. In the spring of 2008, Rachelle placed first in the Senior Solo Competition at the Kingsville International Competitions for Strings. In March she performed Vieuxtemp's Fifth Violin Concerto with the Rice University Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra, as the winner of the string department concerto competition. Rachelle also frequently substitutes with the Houston Symphony. James Richardson (AYP, 1999-2001, French horn) recently made guest appearances on CBS's "Late Show with David Letterman" and the BBC's "Later with Jools Holland," performing as drummer with his rising rock band, MGMT. For more information on the band and video clips, visit www.myspace.com/mgmt. Elizabeth "Ibby" Roberts (NVYSA, 1985-1988, bassoon) was recently selected through a national search as the Lecturer in Bassoon at the University of Virginia, and Principal Bassoon of the Charlottesville Symphony, positions she has held for seven years in a temporary contract. She was also recently chosen as the new Principal Bassoon of the Roanoke Symphony. Heather Fortune (NVYSA, 1990-1992, flute) graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor's Degree in Flute Performance in 1996 and with a Master's Degree in Flute Performance in 1998. She writes, "during my undergrad years I studied with Doriot Antony Dwyer, and during grad school I studied with Jacques Zoon. I pursued additional studies with Carol Wincenc. I live in Philadelphia where I am an active freelancer as an Orchestral and Chamber musician. I also teach part time at Friends Select School, where I conduct Ensembles. I am married to jazz bassist David Brodie. I remember my years with Mr. Haza as wonderfully engaging and enriching times! Thank you for the work that you do". James Fellenbaum (NVYSA, 1987, cello) was recently appointed as Resident Conductor of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra; in this capacity he will serve as cover conductor for all classical concerts, as well as conducting the KSO’s annual Young People's Concerts and several runout concerts throughout the season. Fellenbaum, who joined the orchestra as a guest conductor during the 2006-2007 season, is Director of Orchestras at the University of Tennessee, where he directs productions of the UT Opera Theater and conducts the UT Chamber Orchestra, an ensemble he founded in 2004. He has guest conducted such orchestras as the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Symphony of the Mountains (Kingsport, Tenn.), the Johnson City (Tenn.) Symphony Orchestra, and Bulgaria’s Rousse Philharmonic and Vidin State Philharmonic. Fellenbaum holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance from James Madison University, and a double Master’s in Cello Performance and Orchestral Conducting from Northwestern University. Wesley Citron (NVYSA, 1993-95, trombone) is currently a freelance musician in New York City. Since graduating from high school, Wesley has performed with the Hudson Valley Symphony, the Albany Symphony, Prometheus Orchestra, DeCapo Opera Orchestra, has won the VanHaney Trombone Competition in 2002, and has attended Tanglewood, National Reperatory Orchestra, and National Orchestral Institute. Has just been accepted to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and Tufts University School of Dentistry. He is waiting on other schools and will begin pursuing his dental degree in the fall of 2008. Brooke Robert Stoddard (Junior Orchestra 1997-98, Virginia Youth Orchestra 1998-99, AYP 1999-01; violin) received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Princeton University in June 2005. While at Princeton, he performed with the orchestra for four years and enjoyed tours to the Czech Republic, Austria, and Portugal. He currently resides in New York City and works in Fixed Income Sales & Trading at Goldman, Sachs & Co. Brooke wrote about AYP Orchestras saying he "loved every year of rehearsals, concerts, and commaraderie". Wendy Hill Faulkner (NVYC, 1970-1974, violin), participated in the Reston summer music program, traveled to Switzerland with the International Festival of Youth Orchestras, performed at Wolf trap, and performed at the Washington Cathedral (all with th NVYC). After living in Virginia since the age of 27, she moved to Germany for three years while working for the U.S. Army, moved to Ft Benning, Georgia, and then finally worked for U.S. Aviations Systems Command in St. Louis, Missouri. Wendy currently lives in Effingham, Illinois. She has four sons, two now live in Florida, one is stationed in Korea in the Army and the fourth is 15 years old and in high school. Wendy has worked for a doctor's office for 13 years doing insurance billing among other duties. She and her husband are adult youth leaders at their local church along with 13 other couples Wendy continued to play the violin off and on until just recently. She writes, "I have played at our church, and throughly enjoyed it. I had a frozen shoulder and had to do therapy for several months, and have not picked the violin back up yet. I still love music - it has always been a huge part of my life, as my father was a music educator at George Mason University and the conductor of the Fairfax City Band for at least 25 years. His love for music was born into each of us! My 15 year old son has gotten the "other side" of the arts, as he is very artistic, and has a love for the arts, and our 25 year old son graduated from the college of film and cinematography at Southern Illinois University".
Brian McCommon (NVYSA, 1980-1986, trombone), has recently performed as soloist on several occasions. As a trombonist, he performed a thrilling medley of Beatles tunes with “The Band of the Nation’s Capital” in Maryland and Texas. The performances brought down the house on each occasion. McCommon is also a member of the newly formed ensemble “Quadrille”, a Washington, DC based tuba – euphonium quartet. Quadrille is comprised of military musicians and was recently featured at Schlesinger Hall in Alexandria as guest artists with the NVCC College / Community Band. They appeared at the invitation of the band’s conductor, Dr. Wendy Matthews. The performance featured “The Angelic Host Proclaims” composer / tubist Martin Tousignant. McCommon will also be appearing as trombone soloist with the NVCC Band on May 9th of 2008. Tim McKay (AYP, 1997-1999, percussion) currently lives in Silver Spring, MD, as a freelance percussionist and percussion teacher. He graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in 2003 with a Bachelors degree, and in 2005 from the University of Maryland with a Masters degree. He wrote to us and said that he lives “in the metro DC area with (this is the exciting part!) my wife, Amanda McKay (Walker), violist, also a former AYP musician (1995-2001)! Needless to say, we had no idea we were even in the same youth orchestra organization until after we started dating. Amanda is an elementary and middle school orchestra teacher for Howard County Public Schools in Columbia, MD, as well as a freelance musician. Amanda and I went to the Kennedy Center a few years back to see AYP play with the Master Chorale of Washington during a Christmas concert (one of my favorite concert experiences to this day). My brother Matthew, a percussionist with AYP at the time was also playing in the concert. Afterwards we met my brother by the stage door and he said he could get us backstage as "special alumni" and Mr. Haza would be happy to see us, so he took us back stage. Honestly I didn't think Luis would remember me or Amanda but as soon as we turned the corner into his dressing room his eyes got big and his face lit up and he yelled "Amanda! Tim!!" He gave us both big hugs and after talking with us for a while he said something along the lines of "now you can tell everyone that AYP brought you together". I guess it did. It still touches us that he remembered us both so well! He's one of the greatest people we've ever met”. Sean Forschler (NVYSO, 1985-1988, violin) graduated in 1993 from the College of William & Mary with a degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Biology. Sean attended George Mason University where he received a Masters in Early Childhood Education in 1996. He currently works as a realtor in DC, MD, & VA. Sean continues to pursue musical interests by playing in local orchestras and freelancing. He also volunteers weekly at the Kennedy Center as a tour guide. Stephen Meyer ( AYP, 1999-2001, violin; concertmaster of the 2000-2001 season) studied privately with Maestro Haza from 1996-2001. Afterwards, he attended Yale College, where he graduated with B.A. in French literature and music in 2005. Inspired by a junior-year study abroad in Paris, France, upon his graduation from Yale he returned to Paris, where he completed a master's degree in violin performance at the Paris Conservatoire. In February 2007, he won the position of assistant principal second violinist at the National Belgian Opera (Theatre Royal de la Monnaie) in Brussels, Belgium, where he is in the middle of his first season. Stephen currently divides his time between Paris and Brussels. He'd also like to thank Mr. Haza for his years of dedication and support. Amanda Turner (maiden name is Weik) was a violist for AYPO from 1992-1994. She received a Bachelors degree in Music Education from UNC-Greensboro in 1998 and a Masters degree in Music from UNC-Greensboro in 2005. Amanda is currently teaching high school orchestra in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System in Charlotte, North Carolina. She got married in December 2001. Her husband, Chad, a band director in Stanley County, NC and Amanda are expecting their first child in May 2008. Lara Simonton ( AYP, 2000-2003, double bass) graduated from Oberlin College in May of 2007 after returning from a six month Study abroad in Irkusk, Siberia. Lara, a Russian studies major and a current Fulbright Scholar, is presently in Bishkek, Kirkistan for a year doing research for her Fulbright. Luke Johnson (AYP sectional bass leader, 2006-2007; AYSO, 2005-2006) is now a freshman at Penn State. He has a partial music scholarship to study bass with Robert Nairn, but is also taking computer science and other sciences. Pamina Smith (AYP, 2001-2007, violin) was selected for the Harvard Baroque Chamber Orchestra (one of America’s only undergraduate early music orchestras). She will be playing on an authentic period violin and bow donated to Harvard University. Miranda Blakeslee ( AYP, 1998-2004, viola) will be the Emerging Artist in Residence at the Strathmore in February 2008. Julie Gigante (NVYS, 1979, violin). Since her Carnegie Hall debut in 1981, Ms. Gigante has been in demand as a chamber musician, soloist, and recording artist. Her solo appearances include performances with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Opus Chamber Orchestra, National Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, New York String Orchestra, Music Academy Festival Orchestra, and the Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax symphonies in Virginia. She J. David Turner played in the Fairfax Youth Symphony under Luis Haza and graduated from Madison High School in 1986. He graduated from James Madison University in 1990 with a B.S. Degree in Finance. J. David is now married with two sons and employed by the University of North Carolina as Senior Director of Planning and Systems in the Human Resource Dept.
Dr. Alison Bazala Kim (NVYSO, 1989, cello) says that her husband "Jay and I had a beautiful baby girl this summer on May 29. Her name is Elena Claire Bazala Kim and she was 7 pounds, 13.5 ounces at birth. She was born in Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring. She's five months old and doing beautifully! She seems to love music, especially the cello! I am currently teaching at Columbia Union College, Hood College and St. Andrew's Episcopal School in addition to my private studios in McLean and Rockville and I'm performing with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and various other ensembles, so I'm keeping busy!" Jeeho Park (NVYSA, 1990-1999, cello) has "such fond memories of Monday night rehearsals and our weekend concerts, as well as trips around the country with NVYSA to places such as the Eastman School of Music. After graduating from high school I went across the river to Georgetown University, where I graduated in 2003. I am now married and have been living in London, England, for four years, where I work in private equity and mergers & acquisitions. Although I stopped playing for some years, I recently started playing again with my wife, who is a violinist, and can’t wait for my next trip back to Northern Virginia… where I hope to catch an AYP concert. In my honest opinion, better than the LSO!". Pamela Daniels (AYP, 2003-2005, flute) was recently selected as a substitute in the Buffalo Philharmonic while pursuing an undergraduate degree at the Eastman School of Music. Karen Cueva (AYP, 2004-2007, violin) currently studies at the Walnut Hill School in Natick, Massachusetts. The Walnut Hill School is affiliated with the New England Conservatory and Karen is now in the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra in the New England Conservatory Preparatory Program under the direction of Benjamin Zander. Karen says she has "only the best memories from my years with the American Youth Philharmonic and playing under the various directors (Bonnie Hudson, JD Anderson, Jeff Bianchi and Luis Haza). I will surely come back and visit if you'll have me during break. Have a fantastic season". Sivan Adato ( AYSO, 2003-2005, french horn) is currently a junior at Florida State University majoring in music performance and was recently featured on her campus website (click here for the article!). She attended Eastern Music Institute this past summer and is currently a substitute with the Tallahassee Symphony while pursuing her degree. Elisabeth Christensen was a member of the NVYS first violin section when she lived in the area briefly, 1987-88. She says that "the six months I was in NVYS as an 8th-grader were my only stint in youth orchestra, as I moved from Virginia to Guatemala and France with my family. I went on to earn a BA at Stanford University and a MM (in viola performance) at New England Conservatory. I'm currently the Director of the NEC Preparatory School, where my responsibilities include overseeing a whole system of youth orchestras". Michael Stuckey (NVYSA, 1983-84, principal trumpet) says he has "many fond memories of my symphony experience with Mr. Haza and Colonel Mitchell. It is such a joy to see the symphony continuing today. Unlike principal trumpet players before and after me who chose a professional music career, I took a much different path. After graduating from Virginia Tech with an engineering degree, I have worked in business for the past eighteen years. In November 2004, I accepted a position as the President of Douglas Quikut (a Berkshire Hathaway company). While music is not part of my everyday life, the ethics and values taught by Mr. Haza and Colonel Mitchell have become a vital part of who I have become." Ada Sewell (NVYS, 1971-75, known as Ada DeGoyler in high school) plays the violin and is now a private violin/viola teacher of 45 students, many of them graduating and becoming professional musicians themselves. Ada majored in Music Education and Orchestra and currently plays in two civic orchestras. She lives in Oklahoma and is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota (international music fraternity) and the Violin Society. Cynthia Mineart Sinsap was 1st trumpet in the Northern Virginia Youth Orchestra 1968-1970 under the baton of Dr. James Phol, and also participated in the Summer orchestra at Reston. She also played with the National Youth Orchestra at Wolf Trap Farm Park in the summers of 1971-72. She has a Bachelor of Music Education (1974) from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a Masters of International Education (Framingham State College). She returned to Northern Virginia to work and played with the Fairfax County Symphony from 1974-1976. Since 1978, she has resided in Thailand with her Thai husband and 3 children. She is currently an English teacher and the curriculum coordinator of The American School of Bangkok. Cynthia writes that "in the '60's, Fairfax County did not yet have a string program in the schools. NVYS was my introduction to orchestral performance. It shaped my love of orchestral music and my choice of field in college. My experiences with the orchestra are among my most memorable. I'm thrilled to see that the program has grown and thrived."
Eric Roberts was a percussionist for the AYP Orchestras from 2000-2003. He is currently studying at The Juilliard School where he is taking part in the Focus! festival. The New York Times recently wrote a feature on the festival, and gave Eric's performance a great review. Erin Mulligan (NVYSA, 1996-1998, violin) received a Bachelor of Science in English from Vanderbilt University in May, 2002. She is teaching 7th grade English at The Randolph School in Huntsville, Alabama. Judy Kitchen (AYP, 1995-1996, flute) recently touched base with the AYPO office and said, "After high school, I went to Louisiana State University. I enjoyed my time with AYP and have fond memories of Luis Haza. I am engaged to be married December 6, 2003 to a wonderful man and will be moving to Charlestown, West Virginia." For those who would like to contact Judy (old friends from AYP) you can contact her at jkitchen117@hotmail.com. Michael Choe contacted AYPO and said, "I played viola for the NVYSA from 1994-1998 (3 years for the AYP). I remember many great experiences - particularly performing at the Kennedy Center under Leonard Slatkin. It's good to see that the AYP is still thriving. I have recently graduated from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Science and minors in Music and Communication. I played in the symphony orchestra here as principal violist and was manager this past year. (FYI: Rensselaer is building a $120 Million performing arts center.) I am currently consulting for Erdman Anthony - working with the City Engineer of Troy, NY. In February 2003, I will be leaving for Pensacola, FL to train to be a U.S. Navy Pilot." Jeremy Kurtz (AYP, 1993-1995, bass) was selected in July 2004 as principal bassist for the San Diego Symphony. He recently completed his Master's degree at Rice University. Elliot Dunlap currently lives in San Francisco. He wrote to us saying, "I played in your orchestra when I was in high school (class of 1991). I actually have a website that can give you some of my info and here's the link www.mdhit.com/music . I have fond memories of Luis Haza and many of my fellow students. Currently I have a few piano students and a few upcoming recitals but I no longer play cello. It's sad but I've just decided to focus on one instrument." Kristie Bowie (AYP, 1990-1992, viola) updated us on her accomplishments since leaving AYP: She went on to study music and received a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and a Master of Education Degree. She is currently teaching students with mental retardation at Osbourn High School in Manassas, Va. She teaches violin and viola privately and has recently started playing with the Manassas Community Orchestra. In her email, she says, "I really miss NVYSA! It was the most exciting and fulfilling 2 years I had playing." Steve Wilson (1988-1990, horn) is currently a singer. He recently wrote to AYP Orchestras saying, "I'm now a member of the United States Air Force Singing Sergeants, a part of the Air Force Band stationed at Bolling Air Force Base. I went to Duquesne University for 3 years, studying piano performance with a minor in horn. I then transferred to Ithaca College and completed my bachelor's degree in voice performance. I joined the Air Force in November of 2001. We perform all over the DC area, around the country, and around the world. We support the Air Force at state functions, public events, and state funerals. My commitment is 4 years, and I'm a fully enlisted member of the Air Force. I went to basic training for 7 weeks, right along with all of the other Air Force recruits. I'm also a professional church musician, with 10+ years of religious performance experience in worship services, high Anglican mass, Catholic mass, and funerals of all denominations. I currently sing at Christ Church in Georgetown in a small early-music ensemble of professional singers." Andrea Mani Risby-Jones (NVYSA, 1984-1988, viola) a mother of three, including twins, plays in orchestras and theater groups in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, Australia. Music has been a companion and a bridge to friendships in a country to which she emigrated. Scott Weiss, principal trumpet from 1984-1986, says "it was one of the pivotal experiences in my musical education, and it helped prepare me for a career in music performance. After graduating from high school, I received degrees from the Schools of Music at Indiana University and the University of Illinois. I am now on the conducting faculty at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas where I conduct the Lamar University Wind Ensemble, the Beaumont Youth Wind Symphony, teach undergraduate and graduate conducting courses, and perform in the faculty brass quintet. I was so glad to see the youth symphony is still thriving and that Luis Haza is still conducting the group!" Brian Siegle (1983-1987, bass) recently sent AYPO this message: "After moving from the No. Va. area, I continued with playing the Bass, joining the Virginia Youth Symphony in Norfolk, VA while finishing High School (1987-1989). While completing an Electrical Engineering Degree at Virginia Tech, I played with the New River Valley Symphony (1989-1995). Since graduation, unfortunately, I have not had a venue for playing. I lived in Charleston, SC for 7 years, and have now moved back to the No. Va. area. I'm looking forward to being able to attend concerts of the symphony again - it was such an enriching experience!"
The Oregon Symphony named Jeffrey Work (NVYSA, 1981-1983, trumpet) as its new Principal Trumpet, following auditions held in late 2005. Work will move to Portland for the beginning of the 2006-2007 season, leaving an active freelance career of 13 years in the Boston area. The orchestra's schedule will allow him to continue spending summers as Principal Trumpet of the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder, a position he has held since 1999.
Jasmine Moghissi (1977-1978, viola) is currently in a solo family practice in Vienna, VA. Jasmine is playing piano in a trio with two other physicians. Bill Siegfried (1977-1978, trumpet) is currently working as a pilot and freelance trumpet player and teacher in Fairfax, VA. He graduated from Indiana University with a BME in 1983. Bill says, "The Northern VA Youth Symphony was a great way to meet and work/play with musicians from other schools in the area. It was excellent preparation for future studies in college." Stephani Stang-McCusker was a member of the Northern Virginia Youth Symphony from 1970-71, and a member of its summer orchestral program, the Northern Virginia Youth Symphony at Reston, for summers 1969 through 1971. She is now the Assistant Principal Flutist of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and the Washington National Opera Orchestra, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D. C. She teaches flute as a member of the Music Faculty of George Washington University, in addition to private flute instruction at my home studio in Montgomery County, Maryland. From Stephani: "I send congratulations to my brilliant student, Michelle Ko, on her appointment to the American Youth Philharmonic flute section, as well as her acceptance into the prestigious National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship Program in past seasons." Sue Logan (1969-1974, oboe) is currently the principal oboist of the Billings Symphony Orchestra. She also teaches oboe at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT. Sue recently wrote AYP Orchestras saying, "I learned a lot of the major symphonic repertoire during my years of playing with NVYS. Our summer trip in 1971 to the International Festival of Youth Symphonies in Lausanne, Switzerland is one of my happiest memories. In addition to repertoire and musicianship, NVYS educated me in the interpersonal dynamics of performing groups. This education has been valuable to me in all my subsequent music/business/personal contacts." Let us know where you are & what you are doing! Graduates of AYPO's programs constitute some of the most accomplished and multi-talented students from the Washington metropolitan region and now they can be found all over this nation and the globe. Send us an update of your goals, accomplishments, and fondest memories of AYPO! We will post the information on the "Where are they now?" section of the website, where it will inspire current AYPO musicians, and include it in our newsletter Vivace! Support AYPO - Make a donation to help support our programs! Did you know that more than 40 percent of AYPO's budget is made up of contributions? Your donation, no matter how big or small, really does help us do wonderful things for our musicians! To celebrate our 43rd anniversary year, we ask that you make a donation in any increment of the number 43 (examples: $4.30, $86, or $430). Click here to donate today! Attend AYPO's Alumni Reception We are considering holding an alumni reception at our June 1, 2008 Symphony Spectacular concert. Please let us know if you are interested in attending by emailing Michelle Wallace at mwallace@aypo.org. Want to be involved with AYP Orchestras again? Be a volunteer! You could make a difference in the lives of young musicians by getting involved!
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was also selected to perform on the "Young Artists Series" on the New York City radio station WQXR. She graduated from the 
Alexander White (AYP, 2002-2004, trumpet) is now in his 4th year at 
