Participating in PSG for five years was the high point of my middle and high school life. As a violist, I played in String Orchestra with Mrs. Press for one year, Symphonette with Dr. Temme for two years, and finished out high school in with two years in Youth Orchestra with Bob Moody. I made lasting friends, was challenged to perform difficult music at the highest level, and ultimately, PSG inspired me to continue studying music in college.
The orchestra retreats were always fun, and grueling! I remember spending the night at the zoo while in String Orchestra, with Mrs. Press, Symphonette Retreat in Prescott, and the China tour when I was in Youth. While in Youth Orchestra, we played Mahler 1, Brahms 1, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, Prokofiev 1, and many more. I will never forget how talented the ensembles were, and passionate as well.
After graduating from Horizon High School, I received my BA in music history at the University of Oregon. In 2009, I was hired as a curatorial assistant at Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum, and later as the artist coordinator for the MIM Music Theater. I am currently pursuing my Masters in music history and literature at Arizona State University and TA for an ethnomusicology course. My current research is focused on music in the Holocaust, and exiled musicians. I still spend time performing as a violist in Phoenix. I am also a co-founder of Classical Revolution Phoenix, and organization devoted to bringing classical music to alternative venues throughout the Phoenix metro area.
I fully believe that PSG (or PYS, as it is now called) is one of the gems of the Phoenix music and arts scenes. It was definitely one of the highlights of my life.