Mrs. Nova became executive director of Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras at the start of the 2011-12 season. During her tenure, TRYPO has dramatically expanded its program offerings, significantly increased the number of students it serves annually, and created numerous new community partnerships, resulting in a thriving and fiscally sound organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of Pittsburgh’s musically talented youth.
Mrs. Nova has a Bachelor’s of Music Performance in French Horn from the Eastman School of Music, where she also received the prestigious Performer’s Certificate, and a Bachelor’s of Arts in French from the University of Rochester. After graduating from Eastman, she spent a year as a guest lecturer at the Université de Rennes II in Rennes, France before earning a Master’s of Music Performance in French Horn from the University of Utah. She was the Director of Operations for Utah Symphony | Utah Opera prior to moving to Pittsburgh with her husband James Nova, who is the second/utility trombonist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Mrs. Nova serves on the Arts Advisory Council of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, as well as on the boards of the League of American Orchestras Youth Orchestra Division, the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus. She is proud have participated in Leadership Pittsburgh XXXIV.
Harpist and arts administrator Alyssa Hensley joined Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras (TRYPO) in 2021 as Manager of Youth Chamber Connections and Special Projects before moving to Director of Operations in 2025 where her leadership continues to help create high-impact opportunities for young musicians to learn, connect, and perform. Since joining TRYPO, Ms. Hensley has enriched the student experience by overseeing the organization’s day-to-day operations, planning both domestic and international tours, and championing a thriving chamber music program in the Pittsburgh area.
A harpist and passionate arts administrator, Ms. Hensley is an active chamber and orchestral musician, teaches a thriving private studio for piano and harp, and is a dedicated advocate for new music. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance from Northwestern University, where she studied with Lynn Williams and Liz Cifani, and a Master of Music from Carnegie Mellon University, where she studied with Gretchen Van Hoesen. Her other teachers include Laura Fako-Utley and Joan Holland.
Robin Thompson is the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Three Rivers Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras (TRYPO), where she oversees all marketing, branding, and communications efforts to support the organization’s mission of inspiring young musicians. Since joining TRYPO, Robin has led innovative campaigns that have increased audience engagement, strengthened the organization’s brand, and celebrated milestone events, including the 50th Anniversary season.
A graduate of Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, NJ, Robin holds a BA in Music (Voice) and Arts Administration. She is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota and has remained deeply involved in the Pittsburgh music community, previously singing with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and currently serving as a staff musician and section leader at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.
With a career dedicated to arts administration, Robin has worked with theaters and performing arts organizations throughout the greater Pittsburgh region, combining her passion for storytelling with strategic marketing to support the arts. Outside of work, she enjoys Pittsburgh’s vibrant arts scene, crafting, and exploring life with her husband, son, and two cats.
Clayton Heath is the Program Manager for UniSound. A passionate arts administrator, he also works as the Media Manager for DC Trombone Workshop and has worked in outreach and content creation for ensembles, colleges, and nonprofit organizations.
A graduate of Duquesne University (MM, 2018), Clayton is concluding his doctoral candidacy and University Provost Fellowship at West Virginia University, where he has led educational recruitment and performances across the region. He is an active freelance musician, having performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, and in classical, jazz, and commercial venues across the country.
With a career dedicated to the arts and education, Clayton enjoys connecting with local communities, facilitating educational opportunities for young musicians, and sharing their stories with future audiences.
Shana Slaybaugh joined the TRYPO administrative team in the fall of 2024. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah University and a master’s degree in Library Science from Clarion University. Her career path has varied widely, from librarian to self-employed quilter/sewist to her current role as Assistant Manager of Business Operations with TRYPO. She is passionate about youth programs and education, and has extensive volunteer experience in various leadership roles within both her church and the school PTA. She resides in Mt. Lebanon with her husband and son, and some of her happiest moments are watching her son experience the joy of musical performance.
Colton Marley is a trombone player and singer raised in Zelienople, PA. Colton is currently a junior in the music education program at Duquesne University, where he plays in the Jazz Ensemble, Symphony Band, and sings in the Voices of Spirit. In his spare time, Colton likes to read, eat at Cracker Barrel, and watch the Pittsburgh Pirates!
Joshua Morton joined TRYPO in 2024 as an Assistant and currently serves as Assistant Manager for YPO, Wind Symphony, and Percussion Ensemble. While growing up in Pittsburgh, Joshua began studying violin at the age of five with his father, a longtime string educator in the North Allegheny School District.
In 2019, Joshua began lessons with Louis Lev, Associate Principal Second Violin of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education at Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music, where he studies violin under Rachel Stegeman.
Joshua has performed with a variety of ensembles and enjoys sharing his passion for music through teaching. Outside the orchestra setting, he loves playing in bands, fiddling (a pursuit he began in 2014), traveling, and playing ultimate frisbee.
Cameron Surmeian is a tuba player from Lincoln, Rhode Island currently studying under James Gourlay. He is a Music Education major at Duquesne University, performing in various musical ensembles and perfecting his craft on many musical instruments. Recently, Cameron had the chance to intern with the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals in Rhode Island, a historic and valued event that has hosted many of music’s biggest names. When he is not playing every instrument he has, Cameron loves going to the gym, watching Boston sports teams, studying geography, and spending time with his friends and family.
Hailey Flood has been working with TRYPO since the Fall of 2023 as an Operations Assistant, where she works administratively and closely with students. Hailey is a Bethel Park native and began her cello studies at age nine. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Music Education at Duquesne University, where she studies cello under Pittsburgh Symphony Cellist, Adam Liu. Outside of TRYPO, Hailey also works with the High Note Festival and in the summers, she works closely with Allison Craig at her string summer camp.