2026 Seniors
Oryan Admony, violin
How many years in LYO?
1 year
What’s next?
Oryan will attend college at Ohio State University, majoring in Violin Performance and minoring in Musical Theatre.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“I am so glad I got to be a part of LYO this year and experience playing such great music with everyone. Even though I was only able to do LYO for only one year I’m so grateful that I got to be apart of such a hardworking and talented community!”
William Bennett, trombone
How many years in LYO?
4 year
What’s next?
William plans on attending Eastern Kentucky University for a double major in Music Performance, and Fire, Arson, and Explosion Investigation.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“LYO has opened up my music world to a whole new level, when I joined as a freshman I only knew my high schools concert band, it was a whole new experience when i came to my first rehearsal. Ever since then it has helped to broaden my knowledge in music and help me to sharpen my skills. “
Marcus Berthold, cello
How many years in LYO?
1 year
What’s next?
Marcus will attend Florida College and major in Business.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Thankful for a wonderful experience! Been a great year making new friends, enjoying the cello and making music with everyone.”
Logan Bishop, trombone
How many years in LYO?
3 years
What’s next?
Logan will major in Trombone Performance at the University of Kentucky.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“LYO has helped me grow as an orchestral musician and strengthened my overall performance quality.”
Ava Bosley, violin
How many years in LYO?
1 year
What’s next?
Ava will attend the University of Louisville, studying biology.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“I have really enjoyed LYO. It has given me the chance to play more challenging music and be surrounded by other students who are passionate about playing in the symphony.”
Lillian Chung, cello
How many years in LYO?
5 years
What’s next?
Lillian will attend John Hopkins University, majoring in Neuroscience.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“To me, being an LYO artist is about making beautiful music while building meaningful relationships with the people around me.”
Quintin Coffey, violin
How many years in LYO?
2 years
What’s next?
Quinton will attend the University of Louisville to study Violin Performance.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Being apart of LYO has helped me realize my love for music. Thanks to this organization, I now fully realize my passion for music, and fully intend to pursue it. “
Yacine Diop, flute
How many years in LYO?
5 years
What’s next?
Yacine plans to attend Boston Conservatory at Berklee for Flute Performance.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Being apart of LYO has inspired me to grow as a musician, not just technically, but in confidence and discipline that I learned from the weekly rehearsals and leadership opportunities over the years. LYO is where I started my musical journey but I am happy to say it is not where it ends.”
Evan Godsey, trumpet
How many years in LYO?
1 year
What’s next?
Evan will attend Campbellsville University and major in Music.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Passion and new experiences.”
Emily Goodpaster, violin
How many years in LYO?
2 years
What’s next?
Emily will be attending Indiana State University, pursuing a Bachelors in Violin Performance.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“In the few years of being a part of the LYO community, I am forever grateful for gaining this experience. I have enjoyed being able to get a glimpse into what being a professional musician is like and learning to be more prepared for a future in music.”
Isabella Goss, bass
How many years in LYO?
6 years
What’s next?
Isabella will attend Bellarmine University on a study track to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Being in Lyo has been great, it lets me have an outlet for stress and make new friends. Playing the double bass for this orchestra was a great opportunity.”
JP Hankins, viola
How many years in LYO?
4 years
What’s next?
JP will be majoring in Viola Performance at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Being apart of LYO has allowed me to play great music. Not only that but I have met some of my best friends through this organization and I could not picture my life without LYO and the opportunities it has brought me.”
Anthony Herrera Vasquez, clarinet
How many years in LYO?
3 years
What’s next?
Anthony will attend Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, pursuing a degree in Clarinet Performance.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Being in LYO has truly changed how I feel about music. LYO was the first group I’ve ever auditioned for and gotten principal in, and assuming a leadership role in LYO taught me what it was like to take responsibility for my playing and for the success of the entire ensemble. Through this experience, I not only grew as a musician but also as a person. LYO helped me gain confidence, discipline, and a deeper appreciation for classical music.”
Grace Jaquemai, flute
How many years in LYO?
2 years
What’s next?
Grace will be attending Purdue University and majoring in Biochemistry
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“LYO has been an amazing place to make new friends and improve musically.”
Zoe Maddox, oboe
How many years in LYO?
5 years
What’s next?
Zoe will attend Western Kentucky University with a double major in Music Education and Music Performance. Zoe is also considering a potential minor in Pre-Vet.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
Alexander Makdah, violin
How many years in LYO?
7 years
What’s next?
Alexander will be studying at Northwestern University, majoring in Biomedical Engineering.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“LYO has been such an amazing opportunity, allowing me to make beautiful music and meaningful connections with the people around me.”
Mia Mancilla, flute
How many years in LYO?
1 year
What’s next?
Mia will attend Yonsei Underwood International College in Seoul, South Korea, pursuing a major in Life Science and Biotechnology.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Being an LYO Artist has been a defining part of my growth as both a musician and a person. It has challenged me to push beyond my limits, refine my artistry, and collaborate with others who share the same passion for music. Through this experience, I’ve gained not only technical skill, but also a deeper understanding of expression, discipline, and connection. LYO has given me a space to be inspired, to inspire others, and to truly find my voice as an artist.”
Wyatt Moore, bassoon
How many years in LYO?
3 years
What’s next?
Wyatt will attend the University of Louisville and study business.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Getting to play great music!”
Mason Nall, bassoon
How many years in LYO?
1 year
What’s next?
Mason will attend the University of Louisville and major in Music Therapy.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Being in LYO has been a fun and different experience for me. The community is great and I love the venues.”
Aliya Nasim, violin
How many years in LYO?
3 years
What’s next?
Aliya will be studying Mechanical Engineering this Fall.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“LYO has been a rewarding experience that has encouraged me to pursue and appreciate orchestral music in all settings.”
Jenelle Ngabo, cello
How many years in LYO?
3 Years
What’s next?
Jenelle has been admitted to Bellarmine University on a full ride through the Louisville Century Scholars Scholarship, and will be Majoring in Forensic Psych with a Minor in Music.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Being an LYO young artist has helped me grow, both as a musician and a person. It gave me confidence, discipline, friendships, and memories I’ll always carry with me into this next chapter of life.”
Clif Ogden, tuba
How many years in LYO?
2 years
What’s next?
Clif will attend Western Kentucky University. He will pursue degrees in Computer Science and Music Performance.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Being an LYO Young Artist has given me the opportunity to play with so many talented people and be a part of orchestra that has had many extraordinary performances”
Medin Pasanbegovic, violin
How many years in LYO?
4 years
What’s next?
Medin will study nursing at the University of Louisville.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“LYO has meant growth and connection for me.”
Emma Phillips, violin
How many years in LYO?
4 years
What’s next?
Emma plans to attend Miami University to study Biochemistry and Violin Performance.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“LYO has given me the opportunity to play all different kinds of amazing music. My favorite memory is getting to play for the elementary and middle schoolers each year and getting to share our music with them.”
Angel Queral, bass
How many years in LYO?
2 years
What’s next?
Angel will attend the University of Louisville and study music education.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
Coming soon.
Brayden Rice, clarinet
How many years in LYO?
2 years
What’s next?
Brayden will attend Indiana University and study Music Education.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“Being in the LYO has changed my opinion of music considerably in the past two years. Like many others, LYO better prepared me for college and a career in music in a way that my school music program could not.”
Evan Shepherd, percussion
How many years in LYO?
2 years
What’s next?
Evan will attend Eastern Kentucky University and pursue a degree in Music Education. Evan will also join the percussion faculty for the George Rogers Clark High School drumline.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“LYO has been a very worthwhile experience. Working with Mark Tate has been a blessing over the course of the last 2 years. Im very grateful for my experiences in every ensemble alongside the percussion section.”
Chase Anthony Thomas, cello
How many years in LYO?
3 years
What’s next?
Chase will be attending Ball State University in the Fall to major in Music Education with a minor in Conducting.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
Sebastian Thomas, trombone
How many years in LYO?
1 year
What’s next?
Sebastian will attend Western Kentucky University and pursue a degree in Entertainment Law.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“LYO has really forced me to take up more individual responsibility as a musician. Having never played in an orchestra before, it was a huge (but fun) undertaking.”
Maddie Wallitsch, trumpet
How many years in LYO?
4 years
What’s next?
Maddie will attend Colorado University, Boulder, pursuing a major in Trumpet Performance and a minor in Critical Media.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“LYO inspires young musicians. It shows us what is possible and what opportunities are waiting for us.”
Miles Wigginton, bass
How many years in LYO?
4 years
What’s next?
Miles will study music performance at the University of Louisville.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“My experience as a young lyo musician has helped me grow my skills as a bass player and taught me how to prepare myself for future opportunities.”
Kaylee Williams, clarinet
How many years in LYO?
3 years
What’s next?
Kaylee will pursue a degree in Clarinet Performance at the University of Kentucky.
Your experience as a LYO Young Artist?
“LYO has given me access to many musical experiences that I would not have been able to be a part of if it were not for LYO such as being in orchestra and chamber ensembles.”