Welcome to a list of our current members as well as a bit about our conductor, Chris Kim.
| Current Member Spotlight | Class of 2023 Feature | Class of 2022 Feature | Class of 2020 Feature | Meet our Conductor | Full Orchestra Roster |
Current Member Spotlight
Learn about some of our current members!
Evelyn Catanzaro
Instrument: Cello
Graduating Year: 2028
How I started playing my instrument: I started learning cello when I was about 8, but I started on violin. I wanted to switch to cello very early on - I remember that at a youth chamber camp I went to, I was much more interested in the cellist's part than any of the violins, so I asked to switch soon after.
Why I play music: For me, music serves as a creative outlet. When I prepare a piece, I like experimenting with how I can express the emotion I feel through the music, and I love when I get to share or convey something personal and emotional with the audience. Music also helps me de-stress and get out of my usual mindset, which is something I have come to really value.
Hengfu Feng
Instrument: Trombone
How I started playing my instrument / Why I play music: I joined the orchestra in high school and eventually chose the trombone as my instrument. I started just trying to get some credits but fell in love with the instrument. As an incentive, I asked my parents to buy me an expensive trombone. So, when I got to college, I immediately joined the orchestra. I hope to be able to play my trombone in the future.
（This is a photo of me and my mom after the Christmas concert in my last year of high school.）
Kimora Arabe
Instrument: Viola
Graduating Year: 2028
How I started playing my instrument: I've played piano for almost my entire life, but when I was in middle school I was convinced by my piano teacher's husband to play the viola and join their orchestra because of their shortage in violists. I realized I loved it and picked it up very quickly.
Why I play music: I am a golfer and I put a lot of my dedication and heart into playing that sport, but I find playing music to be an outlet and escape from my stresses. I enjoy the satisfaction of playing in an orchestra and when pieces come together. I love having to work towards being a better violist and pianist, and then having the satisfaction of my improvements.
Evelyn Kim
Instrument: Cello
Major: Media Arts & Culture
Graduating Year: 2027
How I started playing my instrument:I started playing piano when I was younger, and developed an interest in string instruments as well because both my parents play the violin. I tried violin and decided the chin rest was too uncomfortable so I switched to cello instead.
Why I play music: I have always been deeply passionate about the performing arts, with music being a key element that enriches many aspects of my life. Growing up in a family where everyone plays an instrument, music is more than just a skill, it's a way to build community and make connections.
Sonia Wolgamot
Instrument: Violin
Graduating Year: 2027
How I started playing my instrument: When I was little I loved everything that was miniature. In around second grade I wanted to switch from piano to violin because the violin was smaller and cuter! From then on it stuck.
Why I play music: When I was younger I loved practicing in order to earn colorful erasers from my violin teacher as a prize. As I grew up and gained skill in the violin I began to actually fall in love with the music, and also the community I found in it. I will never give that up.
Christopher Butner
Instrument: Violin
Major: Diplomacy and World Affairs
Graduating Year: 2026
Why I play music: I love to play the violin because it is a great creative outlet for me, allowing me to put my ideas and feelings into music. I love the amazing people and mentors that I have met throughout my life because of my musical journey and cherish the opportunity to make music with them and learn from them.
Maya Johnson
Instrument: Violin
Major: Molecular Biology
Graduating Year: 2028
How I started playing my instrument: In 5th grade, I joined a school music club, where I was tasked with choosing an instrument to learn. Inspired by talented violinists I had seen on YouTube, I chose the violin. I continued learning the violin in middle school by joining my school’s orchestra, and I have been playing ever since.
Why I play music: I have developed a deep appreciation for the process of learning and performing a piece as part of an orchestra. The moments of joy, frustration, curiosity, excitement, and perseverance that occur while learning a piece, along with the sense of accomplishment in performing, are what I love about music.
Anastasia Savastio
Instrument: Flute
Graduating Year: 2028
How I started playing my instrument: When I was nine, the flute reminded me of fairies and I thought it was the most mystical instrument! I have stuck with it ever since and choosing to play the flute was the best decision I've ever made.
Why I play music: I grew up surrounded by music, and it has become such a crucial part of my identity. I love everything about music; listening, singing, creating, and performing. Performing especially has allowed me to become more social and creative, and it has shaped me into the person I am today.
Liam Williams
Instrument: Trumpet
Graduating Year: 2028
How I started playing my instrument: My dad showed me Star Wars for the first time in 1st grade and I loved the trumpets in the intro. I patiently waited to start 2nd grade where I could start taking trumpet lessons with my elementary school.
Why I play music: Playing music helps me relax and gives me something to work towards. With music, there’s always more to learn; the more you learn, the better you can express yourself and feel more fulfilled. Also, it's just fun.
Katelyn Chung
Instrument: Flute
Major: Biochemistry
Graduating Year: 2027
How I started playing my instrument: We had opportunities to pick an instrument to learn in my elementary school, and I chose to play flute because I thought that it is one of the most beautiful instruments! Even though I started because of the way it looked, soon I really loved it. :)
Why I play music: I love how music can allow us to be creative and expressive, conveying different emotions and stories throughout the piece. My old flute teacher always wrote some notes or imageries where she wanted me to be more expressive, and I found it very fascinating and helpful in interpreting the piece. Also, I enjoy playing music for other people, such as for my family members or performing in front of the audience.
Yuuki Lubin
Instrument: Piano
Major: Undecided
Graduating Year: 2028
How I started playing my instrument: My mom used to play the piano for me whenever I danced around the house when I was younger, which then inspired me to start learning how to play the piano when I was eight years old.
Why I play music: Playing, making, or listening to music heals my soul. Whenever I am feeling lost or uncertain, music is always there for me like a friend. I want to spread the power of music’s abilities to other people so that they never have to feel alone.
Sanaa Kuenstle
Instrument: Violin
Graduating Year: 2028
How I started playing my instrument: I started playing in 3rd grade after the idea spontaneously came to me. My mom used to play when she was young so I was also influenced by her.
Why I play music: I play music because I see it as a good de-stresser; when I’m overwhelmed with schoolwork it helps me unwind. I also enjoy performing the pieces we work on and hearing the finished product.
Tessa Calado
Instrument: Violin
Major: Spanish Studies, Critical Theory and Social Justice
Graduating Year: 2026
How I started playing my instrument: A music store had an open house where incoming middle schoolers could try out different instruments. I really enjoyed holding the violin and wanted to learn to make music with it!
Why I play music: I love the process of creation that happens in playing music. Instead of just passively consuming a story or a song, I can interpret the music in my own way and make something beautiful through hard and purposeful work. Playing music on my own can be calming and enjoyable, but I also love the community I have found through music, connecting with others to create something new and learn more about one another.
Ella Bygrave
Instrument: Violin
How I started playing: I began playing at the age of four when my parents put me in violin lessons. I began with a mac and cheese box and a stick before my parents upgraded me to a real instrument. I have loved the violin ever since!
Why I play music: Music is an integral part of my life, providing expression, community, and passion. It has been so much fun to meet others at 鶹Ƶwith my same love for music and to play which such talented people. I am currently in the symphony orchestra and a chamber group at 鶹Ƶand I am so glad to be continuing my musical pursuits here.
Nicky Dobbs
Instrument: Trumpet
How I started playing the instrument: In 5th grade, my teacher had us try out one of four different instruments: trumpet, violin, flute, or clarinet. After getting a noteworthy buzz on the trumpet mouthpiece, I figured it was easy enough and certainly loud enough to annoy my siblings!
Why I play music: My parents met doing musical theater, so music is in my blood. Beyond providing me with a therapeutic outlet for my drama-filled life, it is a way for me to express myself freely and without judgment. If you want a zinger to convince you I'm really "that" ascetic musician with eyes only on his craft, here's an apt quote from my favorite trumpet player: "My whole life, my whole soul, my whole spirit is to blow that horn..." - Louis Armstrong
Kaelen Hoseth
Instrument: Violin
Major: Biology
Graduating Year: 2026
How I started playing my instrument: I tried out several instruments in the 5th grade and decided the violin was for me!
Why I play music: When playing alone, I love the creativity that playing violin gives me. I enjoy hearing the different interpretations of pieces and comparing it to my own. Playing within a group is a lot of fun because I feel like I have a role in making something beautiful.
Will Graham
Instrument: Bass
Graduating Year: 2025
How I started playing my instrument: After quitting piano in fifth grade, I went to a local music store to choose a new instrument and instantly gravitated towards the largest, most unwieldy thing in the whole building! I saw it looming over everything and it just felt like destiny.
Why I play music: Practicing music feels like gardening. It’s very meditative to come back each day and make a bit more progress on something. You find a lot of friends over time too just by hanging out around the practice rooms.
Florence Lo
Instrument: Cello
Major: Economics
Graduating Year: 2026
How I started playing my instrument: I started playing cello in 6th grade because I heard the well-known Prelude from Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 being used in a movie and I told my mom I wanted to learn it.
Why I play music: I love putting in time and effort to polish pieces and perform them for an audience. The satisfaction of performing my best with the knowledge of the hard work I dedicated to getting to know the music inside out is incredible. I love playing music with others because of the joy it brings me to collaborate with other people and how fun it is to create something that could be beautiful and exciting.
Clay Carson
Instrument: Flute
Majors: Diplomacy and World Affairs, Urban and Environmental Policy
Graduating Year: 2027
How I started playing my instrument: In elementary school we had the opportunity to start learning an instrument, so I chose the flute because it seemed fun to me. Like many beginners in flute, I definitely struggled at first, but as I improved over time it became one of my favorite activities.
Why I play music: In addition to learning about different historical periods, styles of music, and their cultural significance, I really appreciate the personal aspect of music performance. Having the opportunity to meet people with the same interest in music and share it by performing was not something I originally anticipated, but now it is probably my favorite part of playing music.
Class of 2023 Feature
Clara Thielke
Instrument: Cello
Major: Cognitive Science
Graduating Year: 2023
How I started playing my instrument:
"I started playing cello in 4th grade after my mom asked me if I wanted to play and I said "Sure!"'
Why I play music:
"I play music because I enjoy the process of working hard on pieces and collaborating with other musicians to create beautiful sounds and to share our music with an audience. Playing music is also a great stress relief, and it allows me to get into a "flow" state where I am not concerned about anything else."
Yolanda Patzkowski (violin) has participated in Occidental Symphony since her first year in college. Besides her passion in violin performing, as a big fan of Hisaishi and Ghibli, she also enjoys playing piano. In a masterclass of Professor Aroussiak Baltaian, with a true care about global humanity and history, she played Komitas Grung, which is an Armenian folk song in memory of the Armenia massacre. It is also shown in her choice of majors: pre-med track and Diplomacy and World Affair. Her multiple years of volunteer in Cambodia speaks for her identity outside of the campus: a human right activist. In everyday life, Yoli’s warm smile and warm hugs always make my day. Thank you for being wonderful! - Lane Wang '23
Class of 2022 Feature
Trevor Mairs (Violin) recognizes music as an indispensable means of self-expression, and thus approaches his artistry with passion when playing with the 鶹ƵOrchestra. Although he has only been a part of Orchestra since the Spring 2020 semester, he has both shared many memorable experiences with the Orchestra and left a positive influence for future members. Some of Trevor’s fondest memories include participating in the Orchestra’s Concert for Young People during Spring 2020. At this concert, he especially enjoyed playing Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez. Amongst performances, Trevor continues to relish in some of the more local experiences within Orchestra, such as being able to sit down during in-person rehearsals, develop lasting friendships with the other violinists, and have the opportunity to be inspired by fellow musicians. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Trevor is enhancing his musicality by learning a Bach violin partita (No.2) on mandolin. Along with this, he has been able to experiment with developing his sound through different recording methods. Along with his musical ventures, Trevor is a biochemistry major. He is interested in education and educational reform, and hopes to teach language arts at the high school beginning fall of 2021. Within his clases, he aims to empower students by centering inclusivity and critical thinking. Trevor, thank you very much for all that you have done for both the Orchestra and the 鶹ƵCommunity, and we look forward to seeing what accomplishments you make in the future! - Chester Cahill ‘24
Hyun Gill (Viola) is no stranger to the music department here at Oxy. As a Music (viola performance track) and Biochemistry major with plans to enter the biomedical sciences, Hyun’s ambition is quite remarkable as seen in her engagement with different areas of the music department. Since her first year, she has participated in the Symphony Orchestra where she was able to expand upon her previous musical experience from her time in her high school string orchestra. Hyun recalls her favorite experience with the Symphony Orchestra to be the performance of a concerto with the whole orchestra her sophomore year. She also enjoyed playing Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez. In addition to her participation in the Symphony Orchestra, Hyun participates in Chamber Music and takes private lessons. Although her primary instrument is the viola, Hyun plays the piano, has started to learn guitar, and hopes to learn how to play the tenor saxophone. Hyun’s engagement with music is so evergrowing, not even a pandemic can stop her. She has maintained her relationship with music during these unprecedented times by filming a few videos of herself playing and by playing with her friend who plays the cello as they live on campus. Hyun, thank you for your great involvement in the orchestra and for being so welcoming! - Leslie García ‘24
Sherwin Zhang (Clarinet) has been an influential member of the Orchestra since becoming involved in his first year at Oxy. Some of Sherwin’s favorite orchestra experiences have included playing in the Caltech-Occidental Wind Orchestra, performing Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique at a combined Halloween concert with the Pasadena City College Orchestra, and performing the Mozart Clarinet Concerto as soloist and winner of the Occidental Concerto Competition. Alongside his involvement in the Orchestra, Sherwin has been a student worker in the music department since his first year, at first as a music librarian and now as a tech assistant. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he has played a vital role in seeking out new ways for the Orchestra and Chamber Music groups to perform and record music remotely. Sherwin is double majoring in music composition and computer science, with plans to work as a software engineer developing music notation software. In his free time, he enjoys practicing mixing and recording techniques, coding, playing games with friends, skiing, and cooking. Sherwin, thank you for everything you have done to make the Orchestra such a great community! - Timothy Shortell ‘24
Sven Slattum (Bassoon) is a veteran of 鶹ƵMusic. He has premiered new works in 鶹ƵChamber Music, plays in the Caltech-Occidental Wind Orchestra, and of course, performs with the Occidental Symphony Orchestra. One of his fondest moments as an orchestra member is in the Spring of 2020, where his friends tried to hand him a pineapple on stage. However, his favorite aspect of the Orchestra is its close-knit community, where he credits making his first friends at Oxy. After rehearsals, he and other orchestra members would go to the Tiger Cooler to wind down, eat, and socialize. Although his main instrument is the bassoon, Sven has played the baritone, tuba, and drum line in marching band, and also trumpet and trombone in jazz band. He likes the bassoon the most, since it has such a wide range, complex fingerings, and its ability to blend well within the orchestral texture. Sven is a Computer Science major interested in Game Design, as well as a Math minor. In his free time, he likes to play video games (Overwatch, Super Smash Bros) and practice his bassoon. - Sherwin Zhang '22
Class of 2020 Feature
Because of the multitude of recital and music event cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to recognize the senior class of 2020 here. We thank you for everything you have done for the orchestra and at Oxy!
Michael Kwan (Concertmaster) has been one of the most familiar faces in the 鶹ƵSymphony Orchestra, serving as first violin concertmaster for several 2019-20 concerts. The favorite piece he's played at 鶹Ƶwas, like for many others, the thrilling Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez. Michael isn't much of a Green Bean person, but his favorite Cooler snack after a Tuesday evening rehearsal is a cold can of Yerba Mate tea. The third floor of the Academic Commons, or library, is his favorite place to study on campus, with its independent study desks and general quiet that help people buckle down on their work. An extremely talented virtuoso violinist, Michael is always working on ways to unify the violin section through shared techniques or bowings, especially during complicated pieces. Michael also provides constant, reliable guidance when leading the section. Thank you for all you do, and we can't wait for what's next for you!! - Angelina Lee '22
Lauren Chin (flute, piccolo) approaches music with intent and it is obvious that she has also applied this same resolution to her participation in the Orchestra. Lauren can typically be found coming into rehearsal with her flute, a giant science textbook, and a lab notebook in hand. Even with a heavy course load that has followed her throughout her 鶹Ƶcareer, Lauren has shown a steadfast dedication to playing music (both in the Orchestra and in chamber groups) as well as in being a kind and welcoming friend of the Orchestra. Her favorite piece to date has been the Phantom of the Opera Medley and her typical post-rehearsal Cooler snack is a Philly cheesesteak on rice with veggies – talk about delicious! When she’s not contributing to Oxy’s music scene she can be found ordering a green dynamite from the Green Bean or studying, similarly to Michael, on the third floor of the Academic Commons. Lauren, you, and your gentle smiles from across the Thorne stage will be dearly missed. Still, we are so excited to see where your resiliency and passion that we have all come to know so well will take you! - Maya Angulo ‘21
Dominique Wright (Flute) is always ready to offer new members of the Orchestra a smile and warm welcome to the 鶹ƵOrchestra family. A music major with a focus on flute performance, Dominique enjoys playing exciting pieces that plays to her versatility as a musician. Some of her favorite pieces that the Orchestra has played include Night on Bald Mountain and Video Games Live. When not practicing or at rehearsal, Dominique can be found sipping on a blue velvet from the Green Bean (that’s an early grey tea with lavender) while studying on the Hameetman Science Center Patio overlooking the rest of campus and parts of the rest of the Eagle Rock area. Dominique, thank you for being a pillar of stability and love within our Orchestra family. You have delighted us all with not only your playing, but also your kind and bubbly spirit – offering advice, a shoulder to lean on, and many fun post-rehearsal Cooler snack and chats. You will be dearly missed, but we are so excited to see where you go! - Maya Angulo ‘21
Jiaqian Wu (Piano), looks back fondly on her years in the Occidental Orchestra. She especially enjoyed playing Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez this past February for our Young Person's Concert. Her favorite Green Bean drink is one that you can't go wrong with: the cold brew. After a long evening rehearsal Jiaqian enjoys heading to the Tiger Cooler for a chilled yogurt parfait. Right before a big test or project is due, you can find Jiaqian studying frantically in a cubical in the library. We've enjoyed getting to know you these past few years at 鶹ƵJiaqian and we look forward to seeing where you go next! Good luck in all you do. - Joaquín Madrid Larrañaga '23
Kevin Conroy (Second Violin), having been involved in Orchestra even before attending Oxy, has been a highly involved and engaged member. As a violinist and the current manager, Kevin has “had the pleasure of seeing [the orchestra] grow year by year” noting, “it was pretty explosive”. From the moment he sat in on a rehearsal when the orchestra was barely forming, to performing in concerts all four years at Oxy, Kevin has had a wide range of experiences. He thinks back positively on the collaborations the orchestra has done with the Glee club or a Phantom of the Opera Night he coordinated with other orchestra members where they shared food and could bond over the music they were playing during rehearsals. Of course, it hasn’t been entirely easy. Being a History and East Asian studies double major, Kevin has overcome the problems of balancing time while still enjoying music. When it comes to time management and you have a lot on your plate, he offers, “When you need time to practice you just pick up your instrument for 20 minutes and be strategic with the time you use to practice”. He is excited to see the orchestra grow further and positively suggests to “make the orchestra your second home” where everyone can stay interconnected and develop strong relationships through the years. - Yoli Patzkowski '23
Community Members
Erin Sulla is the Arts & Humanities Librarian at the 鶹ƵLibrary. After an eight-year hiatus from playing viola, she joined the 鶹ƵSymphony in fall 2024. Originally from the Chicago area, she went to college on the east coast, attended graduate school in the Midwest, and was previously a faculty librarian in the PNW before moving to LA in 2022. She enjoys helping students gain confidence through research, hanging out with her cats, trying every flavor at Magpies Softserve, and rediscovering her enjoyment of performing music!
A note from Kirsten Patches Ellis:
"My first concert was in utero, where the audience was handed drum sticks and a riot broke out. My father, John Patches, had booked this wild Frederic Zrewski performance at SUNY Stony Brook, and I attended many more. Soon after, my mother, Elizabeth Patches, a chamber music singer, took us across Poland touring with composer Penderecki. Subsequently, I grew up humming Avant Garde music in hotel bathtubs. In 5th grade my school band needed a horn player, I excitedly thought that meant a saxophonist, but my parents forbade jazz, so the teacher handed me a French horn mouthpiece. Thereafter, I spent summers at Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music and graduated from Walnut Hill School of Performing Arts with a certificate from New England Conservatory Prep. Promptly, I ran off to the University of Wisconsin with a John Barrows Horn Scholarship, started playing jazz, and became a performance art major. Inspired by the fall of the Berlin Wall I founded the punk band, Naked Aggression, singing against authoritarianism and advocating for youth. This led to being featured in Penelope Spheeris’ documentary, The Decline of Western Civilization, Part 3, that was inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Film Archive. Over the years, I continued playing horn in educational settings and marched with the UTLA Strike Band. I earned a Masters Degree in Mild to Moderate Disabilities from Cal State L.A. Currently I am a reading specialist teacher at Torres HS East LA Performing Arts Magnet, where I co-sponsor Rock Band Club and mentor music students. Since I believe arts and education changes lives, I’m really excited to be a community member in the 鶹ƵOrchestra."
Tiffany Chung, violin joined the OSO in 2023. She is an LA-based classically trained violinist who holds a Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Southern California, where she studied with Midori, Pamela Frank, and Martin Chalifour. She works in human resources and is a proud parent of two cats that have a total of 7 legs.
Chris has been playing trombone for over 25 years and has played in groups ranging from the Anchorage Community Concert Band (Alaska), Middlebury College Orchestra (Vermont), Highland Park Swing Orchestra (New Jersey), and most recently, the Santa Barbara City College Trombone Choir (California). Chris is a Professor of fisheries and conservation science at UC Santa Barbara and is also an avid runner.
Colin Field earned a Master of Music from San Francisco State University where he studied cello performance. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in instrumental performance from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington.
Colin has performed in numerous chamber ensembles and orchestras. In addition to national touring experience and recording credits, Colin is the applied cello instructor at El Camino College. Prior to joining ECC, he held a teaching artist position for Youth Orchestra Los Angeles EXPO and Beckmen Center sites. He has presented masterclasses alongside LA Phil Assistant Principal cellist Dahae Kim and internationally acclaimed cellist, Sterling Elliott.
Before moving to Los Angeles, Colin held cello faculty positions at San Francisco Community Music Center, Music Center of the Northwest, Starland School of Music, and Meter Music School. Colin was an Experience Music Project Sound Off! Judge alongside Nick Harmer of Death Cab for Cutie.
Ben Espinosa (violin) is excited to be in his third year as a community member with the Occidental Symphony Orchestra. Ben’s been lucky to have benefited from a range of public programs that made it possible to not just learn how to play an instrument, but to also create community through music and build a lifelong love for the arts. He now works at LA’s Department of Cultural Affairs to help ensure all LA families, residents, and visitors have great access to creative, cultural experiences throughout our wonderful city. Before returning to his native Los Angeles, Ben studied and worked in New York, where he was a member of several NYC community ensembles, including the Queer Urban Orchestra, Chelsea Symphony, and Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra. When not playing music, Ben enjoys checking out LA arts and cultural events, biking, hiking, bowling, and working on getting a better golf swing.
Zachary Silver is a professor in the 鶹Ƶ Psychology Department. As the director of the Canine Intelligence Lab, his research explores the evolution of social cognition in dogs. Silver (Bass) and his partner, Bailey Knowles (Viola) joined the Occidental Symphony Orchestra in 2023.
Stephen Cabell is a composer and a non-tenure-track Assistant Professor of Music Theory, teaching at 鶹Ƶ since 2018. He holds degrees in music composition from three institutions: a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from the USC, a Master of Music (MM) from Juilliard, and a Bachelor of Music (BM) from the Curtis Institute of Music. Originally from Kentucky, Stephen began playing the French horn at age 10 and continued until he was 18. After a 20-year break, he picked up the instrument again in 2023 to join the 鶹Ƶorchestra.In his spare time, Stephen enjoys grilling on his balcony in Echo Park. He is also the devoted guardian of an orange tabby named Toney. Stephen is a fan of the works of filmmakerDavid Lynch and has a deep passion for all music but, these days, particularly hyperpop.
A note from Bob Gutzman: "I started playing in the Occidental-Caltech Symphony (as it was then known) way back in 1983. I can still remember the excitement of my first rehearsal in Thorne Hall over 40 years ago. We worked on Dvořák's Ninth Symphony. Dr. Allen Gross was the new conductor that year, and I had the great fortune to perform with Allen for 36 more years. (Yes, I graduated in four years, but I kept playing in the 鶹ƵSymphony since I lived so close to campus and because the pieces we were playing were irresistible.) Allen exposed us orchestra musicians to everything from Beethoven symphonies--the best!--to an erhu concerto to American classics like Still's Afro-American Symphony and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Professor Chris Kim has continued the great tradition of programming a wide range of entertaining but challenging pieces. I continue to play in the 鶹ƵSymphony because there is nothing like playing symphonic music with dozens of other hard-working musicians. (Also, I live nine minutes from campus!) When we perform a piece by, say, Stravinsky, I feel like the orchestra is not only communing with the audience, but we are also having a conversation with the composer across time.
