Aaliya Shoatz
Violin
Musicopia, Temple University Music Prep
I enjoy all types of music but classical music is what I enjoy the most.
Aaliyah Coleman
Violin
Play On Philly
I love to play the violin and all the different music and meet different teachers.
Aaliyah Wells
Trumpet
Play On Philly
I have not seen many women who look like me playing the trumpet and I think this will be a good opportunity for me to grow as a musician.
Adelle Sullivan-Cozza
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Settlement Music School
Alex Phipps
Clarinet
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Settlement Music School, Temple University Music Prep
I would like to study at a high-level conservatory and eventually find a professional career in clarinet, in a symphony orchestra.
Amaya Tucker
Violin
Musicopia, Philadelphia Sinfonia, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra
Being a PMAY artist, I feel I have a chance to make a difference in the classical orchestra world.
Ariadna Rosas
Flute
Project 440, Temple University Music Prep
I really want music for all my life. I want to study music and attend the best music schools.
Blue Shelton
Flute
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Project 440, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Settlement Music School, Temple University Music Prep, The Philadelphia Orchestra All City Fellowship
I am in love with the flute because of its brilliant, glistering high notes and dark resonant low notes.
Christopher Wise
Flute
The Primavera Fund, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
Divine Epps
Cello
Musicopia
Being in this program has opened my eyes to what music really is.
Frederick Kercy
Trumpet
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Play On Philly, The Primavera Fund
Being a PMAY Artist means that I can get help to improve my music and gain more experience.
Helena Munoz
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Settlement Music School
I think that it is important for there to be more diversity in the music world and it would be a dream come true if I could help make American orchestras and the classical music world more diverse.
Janae Horn
Violin
Philadelphia Sinfonia, Settlement Music School, The Primavera Fund
When I have a difficult day, it is a relief for me to play my violin.
Juliana Castillo
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Settlement Music School
Classical music is the most universal way for humans to connect to each other, the past, and the future – a tradition like this can touch anyone and everyone, if it is presented with vitality and passion.
Justine Sullivan-Cozza
Viola
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
Katia Campos
Violin
Musicopia, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Play On Philly
I strive to push myself to become part of orchestras that tour the world.
Kokayi Jones
Trumpet
Philadelphia Sinfonia, Settlement Music School
I have loved music for as long as I can remember and my dream is to be a professional musician.
Leilani Padilla
Cello
Musicopia, Philadelphia Sinfonia, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Temple University Music Prep
Music has taught me many lessons that are transferable in life.
Leron Goddard
Viola
Musicopia, Play On Philly
Playing the viola is fun. I feel I have found my passion and instrument. I want to play like the violists from the Philadelphia Orchestra one day.
Maya Lederer
Double Bass
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
This past summer, I attended Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute and Curtis Summerfest, two life changing and inspiring experiences that helped to solidify my belief that music is not just a joy in my life but also a necessity.
Mora-Lee Moore
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Temple University Music Prep
I love my instrument and I want to learn how to play it as best as I can.
Nayyirah Wood
Viola
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Project 440, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Temple University Music Prep
My dream is to be part of an orchestra that travels the world, making others happy when hearing the music.
Noah Dharmawirya
Cello
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Settlement Music School, The Primavera Fund
Aside from cello, I also play the piano and trombone and I like to play chess.
Peyton Turner
Cello
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Settlement Music School, Temple University Music Prep
My goal is to practice in pursuit of perfection. I know I can't be perfect but I can be the best I can be.
Rachel Lee
Cello
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Settlement Music School
I love the warm and comforting sound of the cello.
Ruby Ecker-Wylie
Flute
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Project 440, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Settlement Music School, The Philadelphia Orchestra All City Fellowship
I want to be a teaching artist and I want to be a part of the change.
Sebastian Gonzales
Oboe
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Project 440, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Settlement Music School, The Primavera Fund
I love to practice. I think its fun and I like improving my skill.
Shalyn Faison
Trombone
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Temple University Music Prep, The Philadelphia Orchestra All City Fellowship
Being happy in music involves more than just myself; it means having meaningful moments with other musicians and being able to share my experience and knowledge.
Tabor Negash
Trumpet
Play On Philly
I love music and I love to play the trumpet.
Vibha Janakiraman
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Settlement Music School
Music is a vital form of expression; its emotional capabilities have the power to touch everyone it reaches, perhaps leaving someone a different person than they were before. This is my goal as an artist, to use my craft to make an emotional impact on each and every person in the audience through the incredible, passionate medium of classical music.
Zakyya McClenny
Clarinet
Play On Philly
I chose the clarinet because it has a lot of expression and it makes really high and really low sounds.
Adora Abdul
Viola
Musicopia
I want to advance in music so that my skills can be great.
Alison Samuel
Violin
Settlement Music School
I want to be a great violinist and make great like-minded friends with whom I could play music.
Andre Robinson
Trombone
Philadelphia Sinfonia, Play On Philly, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra All City Fellowship
When I get music that is beyond my ability, I feel excited. It's always a pleasure to play new music.
Aviva Bock
Violin
Musicopia, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Project 440, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra All City Fellowship
I am eager to immerse myself in the music world to the fullest extent. I want to pursue music and meet people who will inspire me and encourage me.
Brahin Ahmaddiya
Clarinet
Settlement Music School
I love playing the clarinet and I want to get better.
Camille Holloman
Violin
Musicopia, Play On Philly
I love playing the violin and reading.
Cyrano Rosentrator
Violin
Musicopia, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra
I have the honor and privilege of representing an underrepresented minority of classical violinists. I will strive to become a better violinist and to share good music, which is an effective way to bring people together and bridge gaps between cultures.
Emily Samuel
Violin
Philadelphia Sinfonia, Settlement Music School
My goal in music is to be the concertmaster in an orchestra.
Gabriel Gaw
Double Bass
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
I have noticed in the classical world that despite a relatively high representation of Asians, I seldom see Asian double bassists, especially in top orchestras. I want to become the first ever Burmese double bassist in a top orchestra to make all my folks proud.
Isabelle Mingo
Cello
Temple University Music Prep
Excelling as a cellist is truly my passion. I am committed and dedicated to practicing and being the best cellist that I can become.
Jayla Jones
Cello
Musicopia
I strive to excel in music and take great pride in being a cellist.
Julio Martin-Navas
Cello
Settlement Music School
I love music and greatly enjoy performing and working with others to get ready to perform.
Kaeden Smith
Cello
Play On Philly
I want to make good music and I want to learn more about the different kinds of music.
Keileigh Belt
Cello
Musicopia
I dream of studying Cello at Temple University.
Kirsten Jonathan
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Settlement Music School
I dream of playing in the Philadelphia Orchestra when I grow up.
Krystal Michoma
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Temple University Music Prep
I have learned as a musician that change is routine and musicians have to adapt to change quickly in order to succeed and thrive to the fullest.
Lenni Zeigler-Hill
Flute
Play On Philly
I want to work as hard as I can to be the best flutist I can be.
Louis Dong
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Settlement Music School, The Philadelphia Orchestra All City Fellowship, Project 440
Playing the violin since first grade, I have built a love for the violin and want to pursue being a classical musician.
Meera Ratnagiri
Cello
Philadelphia Sinfonia
Working with other musicians motivates and inspires me to do better. Having that sense of community is very important to me.
Myles Bell
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Temple University Music Prep
With the support of PMAY, I feel that I could be a successful musician in the classical field.
Nicholas Peterson
Viola
School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Temple University Music Prep
Noah Watson
Double Bass
Play On Philly
I want to become an expert on my instrument and be able to one day pass on what I have learned to other musicians.
Phoebe Vallapureddy
Viola
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Settlement Music School
Being a PMAY Artist, I have met many young musicians from diverse backgrounds. I am striving to be the best musician I can be.
Regina Callahan
Violin
Settlement Music School
I enjoy playing the violin and want to play in orchestra.
Sade Epps-Brinkley
Violin
Play On Philly
I love to play the violin because it allows me to play beautiful music and that makes me happy.
Semaj Murphy
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Project 440, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Settlement Music School
Being surrounded by people that are so passionate about the same thing that you love is so inspiring to me.
Shreya Harikrishnan
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Temple University Music Prep
For me, music is an art form through which I can express myself and communicate beyond barriers.
Tegan Howe
Cello
Project 440, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra All City Fellowship
Zhen Yu Zhang
Violin
Philadelphia Sinfonia, Settlement Music School
My dream is to become a professional violinist.
Aiden Chau
Violin
Musicopia, Settlement Music School
I love to travel all over the world for music. I want to show the world my talent in music.
Aljavar McFarland
Violin
Musicopia, Settlement Music School
I want to be a PMAY Artist because I want to be proud of something in life. I want other people to be proud of me like my mom, my dad and my family.
Aram Karpeh
Double Bass
Philadelphia Youth Musicians Orchestra,Play On Philly, Settlement Music School, Temple University Music Prep
Music calms me down and makes me happy.
Benjamin Nesmith
Percussion
Settlement Music School, Temple University Music Prep
I am so appreciative of my teachers for pushing me to be a well rounded percussionist.
Caleb Becker
Flute
The Primavera Fund, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
Christian Kercy
Trombone
Philadelphia Sinfonia, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Play On Philly, The Primavera Fund
I’ll always welcome the challenge. I won’t give up just because it is hard.
Daniela Giraldo
Violin
Musicopia, Settlement Music School
I like to peform with others. Sometimes i feel some anxiety but this feeling helps me to concentrate more.
Gevon Goddard
Cello
Musicopia, Philadelphia Sinfonia, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Play On Philly, Project 440, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Settlement Music School, Temple University Music Prep
I admire that Yo-Yo Ma is generous to young musicians with his time and that he always explains why the cello is great.
Isaiah Rose
Violin
Settlement Music School
I love classical music. I listen to composers such as Edvard Grieg, Wolfgang Mozart, Richard Wagner, and others on my tape player when I'm in my room playing or drawing.
Josif Collazo
Trombone
Settlement Music School, The Primavera Fund
Josif received the Pennsylvania Association of Gifted Education’s Distinguished Student award in part for an art project for peace that he lead at a homeless shelter for women and children.
Justin Williams
Viola
Musicopia, Philadelphia Sinfonia, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Settlement Music School, The Philadelphia Orchestra All City Fellowship, Project 440
I love music and playing in a good orchestra.
Karis Dharmawirya
Violin
Philadelphia Sinfonia, Settlement Music School, The Primavera Fund
I enjoy playing in ensembles and at church. I also enjoy reading, writing and spending time with my family.
Kenneth Felton III
Percussion
Philadelphia Sinfonia, Settlement Music School
At first, I was really nervous about playing drums but now that I'm more experienced, I am not nervous anymore. I now enjoy performing very much.
LaJae Sharper
Clarinet
Play On Philly
Music has helped me calm down and express myself.
Leopold Pullella
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Temple University Music Prep
I couldn't imagine life without passion. Music captivates me with emotion.
Madelyn Mingo
Viola
Temple University Music Prep
I would like to pursue the challenges of playing the viola as it is something that I enjoy.
Miro Raj
Violin
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Settlement Music School, Temple University Music Prep
When things are tough, I am more determined to prove myself.
Nathalie Hernandez
Violin
Philadelphia Sinfonia, Settlement Music School
I have always enjoyed rehearsals and found it calming for my mind.
Nicolette Sullivan-Cozza
Viola
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Settlement Music School, Temple University Music Prep, The Primavera Fund
Patricia Harden
Violin
Philadelphia Sinfonia, Settlement Music School
My goal is to study music in college and I dream of playing in a professional orchestra one day.
Promise Bacon
Violin
Musicopia, Play On Philly
One day I would love to teach violin to children in foreign countries. Playing violin makes me happy and I would like to share the joy with others.
Rishab Das
Violin
Philadelphia Sinfonia, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Settlement Music School
I hope to be able to compose some great music with my younger brother, who plays the piano, in future.
Sarah Casanova
Percussion
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Project 440, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Settlement Music School, Temple University Music Prep
I didn’t think I would take music as serious as I do now. Then I found myself watching videos of the Philadelphia Orchestra and think, "wow, I'd love to be a part of that one day."
Shakia Davis-Jones
Violin
Philadelphia Sinfonia, Settlement Music School
I like performing in an orchestra because it gives me the chance to hear how other instruments complement each other.
Sloane Moore
Double Bass
Musicopia, School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, Settlement Music School
I wish that I can achieve my greatest dream of being a bassist. I'll never give up.
Tewabch Worku
Flute
Play On Philly
I want to be a part of the PMAY Artists’ Initiative because I want to be a performer.
Yohanna Heyer
Cello
Musicopia, Philadelphia Sinfonia,School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra All City Fellowship
Being a part of a group of dedicated musicians, I have grown more confident playing in front of others while having fun and feeling welcomed.
Vrishab Kaushik
Violin
Settlement Music School
I love classical music and playing the violin.