“Find genuine passion in playing, that's where the joy in music can be found.”

“Practice and idolize your section leaders.”

“My TJ orchestra conductor, Ms. Bailey, because she is incredibly hardworking and organized, and her passion for music is contagious.”

“AYPO has been a huge part of my life for the past 8 years and I've been able to experience and learn so much about music and being part of wonderful orchestras. I made wonderful friends, played amazing pieces and performed at beautiful locations. I'll always cherish the memories that I made. I'm very thankful to AYPO for giving me this opportunity. I'm also thankful to all the conductors, volunteers, and staff who put in so much energy and care in to teaching us and helping us grow as musicians. I've always felt like they truly cared and were always there for help whenever I needed it.”

“Consistency beats short burst of energy a million times. Slow productivity wins. Practice just 20 minutes a day effectively is enough to beat 2 hours of intense practice twice a week.”

“Appreciate the time you have with the people around you right now because you might not ever see them again.”

“Figure out what playing music truly means to you. Find a love for it outside of winning auditions or competitions, and that will ensure your love for music will never die. And don't compare yourself to other musicians; every musician brings something different to the table, so lean into what makes YOU special as a musician and be proud of yourself.”

“Patience and consistency is vital.”

“Don’t stress- it’s just not worth it! Put in the work, and have fun while you’re at it.”

“Cristian Măcelaru because of his ability to personally connect with each one of the members of his orchestra.”

“Feel the music.”

“It’s important to enjoy what you’re playing! Being able to appreciate your music makes practicing easier, and experiencing the result of your hard work much more gratifying.”

“Be bold while playing, and don't be afraid to make mistakes, because they are what make you improve!”

“Don’t get overwhelmed by your mistakes - they can create the most beautiful opportunities for growth.”

“My older sister really inspired me to play horn. She played horn in high school and I remember wanting to be like her, which is why I picked the instrument. I thank her for all of my accomplishments because it was her support and motivation that got me to this point today.”

“The musician that inspired me the most was definitely my private teacher, Kelly Stratil. She works both as an elementary school band director, inspiring young kids to learn an instrument, and as a dedicated private teacher to a plethora of bassoonists. Despite all this, her hard work often goes under appreciated. Even so, she works tirelessly to support the musical community of Northern Virginia.”

“Augustin Hadelich inspires me because he shows that you can express such emotion through music, and persevere through music.”

“My biggest advice for younger musicians is to never give up. The idea of perseverance has gotten me through so much stuff both musically, academically, and mentally.”

“Making music together is about contributing your own unique experience to something bigger than any one person. But most importantly, it's supposed to be fun, so never let competition, fear, or ostentation get in the way of that.”