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Auditions can be a nerve-wracking experience for anyone, regardless of age or experience. Recently, I had to re-audition for the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh since we just welcomed a new Music Director, Daniel Singer, to the organization, and the process made me reflect on the similar journey of our youth orchestra students as they undergo their seating auditions. It’s fascinating how the lessons I learned from my own audition can relate to and inspire these young musicians. The Preparation Process Before my audition, I dedicated countless hours to practicing, refining my vocal technique, and learning the music. The discipline and…

This weekend at Mini-Camp our TRYPO musicians got quality time to spend with each other to get the season off to a great start, but it wasn’t just students who came to Mini-Camp. We also had an awesome group of parent chaperones who made the weekend possible. After some initial conversations, it was clear that TRYPO’s impact is not just clear to the students, but to their parents as well. Here’s what they had to say about TRYPO: What is it about this weekend that made you want to volunteer to be here? Liz: Because my youngest is a senior…

We are thrilled to share a remarkable achievement that underscores our commitment to excellence and leadership in the world of music. Our very own Executive Director, Lindsey Nova, has been appointed as an Ex-Officio Member of the prestigious League of American Orchestras Board of Directors and named Chair of the League of American Orchestras Youth Orchestra Division. This distinguished appointment recognizes Lindsey’s exceptional dedication, expertise, and unwavering passion for advancing orchestral music, especially as it relates to youth orchestras. As an Ex-Officio Member, Lindsey will play a vital role in shaping the direction of the League of American Orchestras, contributing…

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…