By Ashleigh Teygong and Dylan Perez
Instrument: Cello
Year: 7th Grade
Favorite TYS Memory
I will never forget last season when we played through the Sibelius Symphony #4 together in rehearsal for the very first time. It was really spectacular! We were all amazed at how beautiful it sounded.
TYS Experience
I have developed as an orchestral musician much more than I’ve ever imagined! I’ve learned how to listen to my section while playing, and how to watch and learn from my section leaders. TYS has taught me in many ways how to grow in musicianship.
As I enter my third season with TYS, I can’t help but feel grateful for these past two years of opportunity. Professor Wagner challenges us as an orchestra, but also individually, to refine our playing and work at a higher level. I’ve been playing cello since I was three years old, on various stages and in different settings. My favorite of which is with the Tulsa Youth Symphony Orchestra in our concerts. Music is my passion and I’m able to express that in every rehearsal and performance with TYS.
Musical influences and inspirations
Diane Bucchianeri is my cello instructor and she has made such a difference in my life as a cellist and musician. My lessons with her at the University of Tulsa are a highlight of my week. At the bART, I study Theory with Mr. David Broome. He makes it fun, creative, and incorporates so many genres and types of music when he teaches.
Accomplishments
I was honored to be featured in Tulsa Kids magazine this past November 2021. Also I was a solo performing artist in Hilton Head Island’s opening ceremony for the Crescendo festival two years in a row, 2018 and 2019. (We lived in South Carolina at that time.) This included being featured in the corresponding publications and video promotion productions. While living there, I was a member of and received several achievement awards through the Savannah Youth Orchestra in 2018. Also, I recently won 1st place in my age group for cello in the Charleston Competition’s 19th Century music competition.
Other Instruments
Besides the cello, another musical passion of mine is the piano. I study under Dr. Allyson Eskitch at the bART Center for Music. Her consistent guidance has helped me go to the next level as a pianist. I won second place piano prize in the Charleston 19th century music competition for 2022. Piano technique is an essential factor to succeed as an accomplished musician!
Closing Thoughts and Reflections
Using my passion for cello, piano, music and the arts is something I want to always share with others and continue to expand in every way possible. I’m happy to be living in Tulsa again and can’t wait for another amazing season with the Tulsa Youth Symphony!