SEASON 94 GRADUATING SENIORS

Posted on June 4, 2018

Congrats to all of our graduating seniors this season!

PYP is proud of all of our more than four dozen graduating seniors. Many thanks to those who shared their plans for next year with us.

Caeden Brusett, PYP Bass

Caeden will be attending Oregon State, studying Mechanical Engineering.

He has traveled to Europe and the east coast multiple times, plays four instruments in total, and practices boxing.

“PYP has given me a place where I can go make something great out of something difficult. It’s given me a community of people who are all as focused as I am.”

Keep reading to hear about their college plans, accomplishments, fun facts, PYP experience, and more!

Annie Zhang, PYP Cello

Annie will be attending the Cleveland Institute of Music’s Young Artists Program this coming year to study cello performance.

She recently soloed at the Metro Arts’ Young Artists Debut performance.

“I have been in PYP for eight years, and it has been an extremely important part of my life. I have met many people and have had many vital experiences and memories there, from touring and playing in Chicago a few years ago, to learning how to be a leader through being a principal for three years. I have much gratitude for PYP and its impact and shaping of my life.”

Karlee Wood, PYP Trumpet

Karlee will attend San Francisco Conservatory of Music to earn a Bachelors of Music in Trumpet, with fellow PYP senior Michail Thompson.

She won second place trumpet in the state solo contest and her brass quintet won 1st place in the state ensemble contest!

“PYP means the world to me. Experiencing two seasons of PYP has helped me discover what my true passion and purpose in my life is! Being in PYP also encouraged me to follow my dreams and apply to my #1 music school and I even made it in! Not to mention I even met some amazing people that I will be friends with for the rest of my life. PYP has been so rewarding and I will always look back on these days and smile! Thanks for the memories PYP!”

Georgia Hastie, PYCO Clarinet

Georgia will be attending college at University of Colorado Boulder and pursuing a double major in mechanical engineering and Music performance on clarinet.

She received a full tuition scholarship from CU Boulder’s school of music.

“This was actually my first year in the PYP organization, and it was super cool being able to play in an orchestra for the first time, especially since we’re playing Mahler 5 in PYCO. It was a new experience, and something I’m really glad I did!”

Anna Terveen, PYP Oboe

Anna is attending Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California next fall and plans to major in biochemistry with the goal of pursuing dentistry.

She was a Coca Cola scholar semi finalist, most outstanding student of health services through the Sabin-Schellenberg program, Elks’ most valuable scholar, and Comcast Leaders and Achievers scholar. Anne also had a dental internship this year and got to observe and work in three local clinics—which is why she showed up to rehearsal in scrubs!

“PYP has been truly life changing for me. Not only did it improve my scales, but it sparked my love for music and oboe. There has never been a place where I’ve enjoyed performing and listening to music more, than I have with PYP. This organization has given me a new perspective on everything music has to offer, and without it, I don’t think I would have decided to continue playing in college. I am super excited to play with my college’s orchestra and I am forever grateful for the experience PYP has given me.”

Ali Mills, PYP Violin

Ali will be attending Biola University and studying violin performance.

“PYP is important to me because it gave me the opportunity to be inspired by my peers and widen my musical worldview. If I hadn’t had the chance to be in PYP, I probably would not be studying music seriously in college, and I am so grateful for the amazing 7 years I had with the organization.”

Vincent DePinto, PYP Bassoon

Vincent will be pursuing a Bachelors of Music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He is interested in studying music production/engineering, music business, and film scoring. He will also continue instrumental studies in both classical and jazz bassoon.

In addition to bassoon, he also plays the tenor saxophone and piano. Vincent has received the Berklee World Tour Scholarship, Oregon Music Hall of Fame Scholarship, and the Monday Musical Club Scholarship.

“PYP allowed me the opportunity to further develop my love of classical music, my understanding of music theory, and the ability to perform challenging repertoire. PYP’s emphasis on practicing scales and arpeggios definitely prepared me for my college audition at Berklee.”

Olivia Van Winkle, PYP Bassoon

Olivia plans to attend the Honors College University of Kansas to pursue a double degree in music performance and biology.

She recently received the 2018 Bassoon State Champion at the state solo competition.

“PYP is important to me because it provided me a platform for musical expression, the opportunity to play beautiful music, and meet like minded people who have become some of my best friends.”

Victoria Laing, PYP Violin

Victoria will be attending DePaul University’s School of Music, majoring in Violin Performance.

“PYP has given me an experience of a lifetime.  It has enabled me to be a part of something great - it has given me the opportunity to produce incredible music with so many talented musicians, and to make wonderful memories with friends that I will always cherish.”

Christine Chu, PYP Violin

Christine will be attending the University of Washington next year, possibly doing a dual degree in communications and music.

She recently received the Beaverton Arts Foundation Scholarship. 

“PYP is important to me because it’s a place where I feel accepted for loving classical music. My friends at PYP have inspired me to become a better musician and more ambitious person.”

Nathan Coffman, PYP Percussion

Nathan will begin working towards a major in classical percussion and a minor in jazz at the University of Miami Frost School of Music.

His favorite past time activities are going on walks and making sushi. Nathan was the winner of the 2017 PYP Concerto Competition and performed Paul Creston’s Concertino for Marimba and Orchestra with PYP in March 2018. 

“PYP is important to me because each week I was left inspired by it. In it, it’s not just filled with amazing musicians, but people as well! I made so many friends throughout the four and a half years I’ve been in the organization, and as I move on to college, I will never forget the experiences I have had with it.”

Kai Bryngelson, PYP Violin

Kai will be attending the Cleveland Institute of Music Young Artist Program with Joan Kwuon as his teacher.

“I feel blessed and thankful for being part of the PYP family these past two years. I will bring you in my heart forever.”

Congrats to all of the seniors and thank you for all of your dedication and hard work!