Welcome Alumni
John Philips Sousa Award |
Arion Award |
Most Valuable Musician |
Most Improved Musician |
2020-
2019- Julia Parker 2018- Noah Saylor 2017- 2016- Harley Rogers |
2020-
2019- Alisabeth Grage 2018- Ryan Bredahl 2017- 2016- |
2020-
2019- Jake Renfer 2018- Stephanie Warrix & Natalee Kibbe 2017- 2016- Gary Vinson & Mitchell Helsel |
2020-
2019- Molly Harding 2018- Jade Saylor 2017- Reanna Sparks 2016- |
Well known music alumni...
Leelanee Sterrett, Third Horn of the New York Philharmonic, joined the Orchestra in June 2013. She was previously a member of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and a regular substitute with the New York Philharmonic. Ms. Sterrett is also an alumna of The Academy, Carnegie Hall’s collective of young professionals and music advocates, and a former member of Ensemble ACJW.
A northern-Michigan native, Ms. Sterrett grew up in a musically enthusiastic family and attended Interlochen Arts Academy. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master’s degree from the Yale School of Music. Her primary teachers include William Purvis, Douglas Hill, and Julie Schleif. Ms. Sterrett has spent summers at the Tanglewood Music Center, the Pacific and Sarasota music festivals, the National Orchestral Institute, and the Banff Centre for the Arts. She is a past prizewinner in the International Horn Competition of America and the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Program. Ms. Sterrett is also a member of Genghis Barbie, an all-female horn ensemble specializing in original arrangements of pop music from the 1970s through today. The group made its Carnegie Hall (Stern Auditorium) debut in 2012 as soloists with the New York Youth Symphony, and has released four albums. The five members of Genghis Barbie are in high demand not only as performers and educators, but as musical entrepreneurs, and have given numerous concerts and master classes nationwide. |
Alumni by year
Class of 2019
Bela Bivens Tabby Bradburn Shyla Duncan Alisabeeth Grage Brooklyn Johnson Abbie Kongeal Kal Kopischka Kaelah Mckay Julia Parker Jake Renfer Gabby Russo Ryan Stronach |
Class of 2018
Ryan Bredahl Yzzy McBride Hannah Morrow Noah Saylor James Vasold II Gary Vinson III Stephanie Warrix |
Class of 2017
Daniel Brandt Savannah Maynard Donovan McGinley Abby Siddall Autumn Tuck Kate Vanderlugt |
Class of 2016
Austin Leja Katrina O'Neil Harley Rogers |