Emily Bovan

We love hearing from our alums about what they’ve been up to since their time in TRYPO! Today we feature tuba player, Russ Pedersen! We’re so proud of his accomplishments!! Read all about Russ’ time in TRYPO and what he is doing now: Russ joined TRYPO in 1980 and played in TRYPO until the 1982-83 season. Russ received his undergraduate degree at Duquesne University and his master’s at Carnegie Mellon University. Both a musician and educator, Russ has performed around the country and in Scotland and Canada with such ensembles as the American Wind Symphony Orchestra, the River City Brass …

We love hearing from our alums about what they’ve been up to since their time in TRYPO! Today we feature flutist Celeste Simpson! We’re so proud of her accomplishments!! Read all about Celeste’s time in TRYPO and what she is doing now: Celeste joined TRYPO in 2010 and played in TRYPO until the 2011-12 season. After she graduated from high school, Celeste attended Seton Hill University to earn a degree in Music Therapy. She then earned her Master’s in Music Therapy from Slippery Rock University. Celeste is a current doctoral student at Chatham University in their Doctor of Psychology in …

We love hearing from our alums about what they’ve been up to since their time in TRYPO! Today we feature cellist, Dennis Persin! We’re so proud of his accomplishments!! Read all about Dennis’ time in TRYPO and what he is doing now: Dennis joined TRYPO in 1996 and played in TRYPO until the 1999-2000 season. After he graduated from high school, Dennis attended Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music to earn a degree in Music Education. He then earned his Master’s in Education Curriculum Instruction and Design from St. Vincent College. Now, Dennis is a Gateway School District music teacher and …

We are featuring two seniors from our cello sections for our final Senior Spotlight of the 2022-23 season. Learn more about David and Gracyn below! David David has been a part of the #TRYPOfam for five seasons. During his time in TRYPO, he has played cello in Symphonette and Young Peoples Orchestra. David joined TRYPO because of his parents. “At first, I just joined for my parents! I had never played in an orchestra outside of school, so meeting new people and playing fun music with friends that I had made along the way is what made me want to …

When recent Board President Dr. Paul F. Doerksen reached the end of his term in 2022, the TRYPO Board of Directors wished to honor him by creating an award to be presented to an outgoing senior. Having worked with TRYPO staff to lead the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Doerksen went above and beyond the call of the volunteer position and was a massive part of the reason TRYPO weathered the COVID storm.  Starting in 2023 at the TRYPO Spring concert, this award will be given annually to a TRYPO Musician or alum who embodies the skills and spirit …

For our next Senior Spotlight of the 2022-23 season, we are featuring three seniors from our flute, clarinet, and percussion sections. Learn more about Elizabeth, David, and Grant below! Elizabeth Elizabeth has been a part of the #TRYPOfam for three seasons. During her time in TRYPO, Elizabeth has played flute and piccolo in Young Peoples Orchestra and Youth Chamber Connection. She has also participated in the TRYPOsphere program. Elizabeth joined TRYPO because of her teacher’s encouragement. “My teacher recommended that I audition for TRYPO in May of 2020. Everything was still online at that point, including my audition. Despite this, …

For our first Senior Spotlight of the 2022-23 season, we are featuring three seniors from our violin section. Learn more about Antonio, Maria, and Viola below! Antonio  Antonio has been a part of the #TRYPOfam for eight years. During his time in TRYPO, Antonio has played violin in Symphonette and Young Peoples Orchestra. Antonio joined TRYPO because he wanted to find an inclusive orchestral community. “As someone with autism, it’s hard to socialize with others with the same interests as you. TRYPO definitely made me feel at home whenever I came to rehearsals.” His favorite memories were the Symphonette trip …