My first year as the Marketing and Communications Manager at Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras has been a whirlwind of creativity, growth, and milestones. Reflecting on these past twelve months, I’m filled with gratitude for the remarkable experiences and accomplishments we’ve shared, both in the office and on the stage.
Coming into this role, I knew TRYPO had a significant place in Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape, but being part of the organization has truly shown me the depth of its impact on our community and its young musicians. From my first day, my goal has been to amplify TRYPO’s presence and tell its story in a way that honors its rich 50+ year history while welcoming new audiences and supporters. And in the past year, we’ve taken strides to do just that.
One of our earliest achievements this year was an award-winning Giving Tuesday campaign called “Give Back to the Future”, a meaningful project that brought our community together in support of youth music education. Seeing the campaign’s success—and knowing it was resonating with our audience—was incredibly rewarding and underscored the importance of creative, intentional communication. Every contribution from our community spoke volumes about the shared belief in TRYPO’s mission: to create a dynamic, inclusive community where young people are inspired to pursue a lifelong passion for music.
Expanding TRYPO’s reach within Pittsburgh has also been a highlight. Our large ensemble concerts brought music to different venues around the city (Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University, Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland, South Fayette High School, North Hills Middle School, and Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music, The Block at Northway), each venue a unique experience for our musicians and audiences. Every performance gave our young artists a chance to shine while connecting with Pittsburgh’s vibrant communities, ultimately expanding our organization’s reach and building new friendships across the city.
One of the most unforgettable moments was embarking on TRYPO’s International Tour to Germany and the Czech Republic. This tour went far beyond the usual bounds of our season—it provided an invaluable opportunity for our musicians, families, and supporters to bond, explore, and perform together. Experiencing Europe’s rich musical heritage with our TRYPO community was inspiring and opened doors to cultural exchange and friendship that will last a lifetime. It also gave students and families the chance to experience world-renowned music venues like Dvorak Hall of the Rudolfinum.
And of course, celebrating TRYPO’s 50th anniversary was a tremendous honor. The concert and reception brought together alumni, families, students, and community supporters in a night that celebrated five decades of musical excellence. As part of the celebration, we had the privilege of collaborating with Broadway star Norm Lewis, adding a layer of magic and inspiration to the evening. As we looked back on TRYPO’s legacy, I felt immense pride in being part of an organization with such a lasting, positive impact on half a century of young musicians.
Reflecting on all these achievements, I can’t help but feel especially grateful for the team I’ve had by my side. Working alongside such passionate, dedicated people has made this first year as meaningful as it has been successful. Together, we’ve celebrated wins, tackled challenges, and built genuine friendships that make every day here something special.
This year has been about growth, creativity, and connection. I’m excited to keep telling TRYPO’s story and to continue working with this incredible team as we look to the future. Here’s to another year of music, community, and new possibilities!