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OCA Young Artists Program

In 2012, OCA began offering short performances by talented young area artists as opening acts for OCA concerts.  Currently there are five regular concerts scheduled per season; the OCA Young Artist takes the stage for 10 minutes before the concert headliner.  For more information on the Young Artists program, contact Cindy Donaldson, cdonaldson@stny.rr.com.

Seeking Talented Youth!

OCA’s Young Artists Program is a great opportunity for area youth to open for a headline performer.  AUDITIONS are scheduled from time to time, and are by application.  Dance, vocal, and instrumental performers, age 21 and younger, are invited to apply.

AUDITIONS for the 2024-2025 season were held during the summer of 2024.  Contact Cindy Donaldson, cdonaldson@stny.rr.com, for general details about auditioning, including scheduling an audition, and for an application form.  The form and general instructions are also available here and will be updated seasonally as needed.  The completed application, along with a brief bio and a photo (both required), should ultimately be emailed to Cindy.  Auditioners should be prepared to perform two contrasting pieces.

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2024-2025 Season Young Artists will be posted here soon.

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2023-2024 Season Young Artists:

For September 29, 2023:  Nate Storrs, a vocalist, is a freshman at Hartwick College, majoring in Music Education. Previously, Nate had the honor of performing in various choirs, including at Carnegie Hall in the 2023 High School Honors Concert Choir; in NYSSMA Zone 7 Area All-State Concert Choir; and as an alternate for the All-State Concert Choir.  He primarily sings jazz, madrigals, and with heavy influence from Frank Sinatra.  Nate has been singing since he was 9 years old, in various all-county choirs and in many musicals through the years, with his favorites being “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (as Chip Tolentino) at Bridge Street Theatre, and “Footloose” (as Chuck Cranston) at Greenville High School.  Nate works extremely hard to improve himself as a vocalist. Two of his proudest achievements are scoring 99/100 on his Level Six All-State solo in his junior year of high school, and participating in the aforementioned 2023 High School Honors Concert Choir at Carnegie Hall.  He is grateful for any opportunity to pursue his passion for singing, has enjoyed travelling coast to coast, and looks forward to travel overseas to explore music beyond the USA.  Nate  is very pleased to be working with the Hartwick College Music Department, receiving the guidance he has been seeking for years, and he thanks his current mentor, Professor Steven Nanni, for helping him become the vocalist he wants to be.

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For October 27, 2023:  Luke Pringle, vocalist, a senior at Delaware Academy, is honored to be opening for Dr. Adam Kent.  Past vocal credits include multiple ensemble appearances in the Glimmerglass Opera, roles in local theater groups such as Orpheus Theatre, and multiple roles in school musicals.  Luke is also in the middle of his fourth semester with the Catskill Choral Society as a tenor.  His post-high school plans are to attend a college “to be determined,” majoring in Music Education.  He gratefully thanks his family for constantly being supportive of his many vocal and theatrical endeavors, and his amazing school choral teacher and personal mentor, Kimberly Collison, for working tirelessly to help him get ready for this special performance.

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For November 17, 2023:  Brenden Halsted attends Oneonta High School. He has been dancing with Jillian Dance Arts in Oneonta for 7 years. He dances competitively.  This past summer he took First Place in the Nationals with his contemporary solo.  Brenden truly has great passion and love for dance.

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For March 1, 2024:  Tong Cui is a 13-year-old eighth grader from Oneonta, NY.  She specializes in violin, trumpet, and jinghui (a Chinese string instrument used in traditional orchestras) and dabbles in piano. She has written a handful of short stories, with a large following of readers who enjoy them thoroughly.  Tong loves  swimming and running, but she dislikes — or rather, hates — hurdles and the butterfly stroke. She also loves drawing and designing all sorts of fashions, for which she has received recognition from her English teacher and peers in school.

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For April 19, 2024:  Bryson Huber, currently a junior at Oneonta High School, plays alto saxophone, jazz guitar, and double bass. He has been involved in the musical community for as long as he can remember, having studied jazz guitar under Steve Murtha for over nine years and having played the alto saxophone for over seven years. Bryson has participated in numerous honor ensembles on alto saxophone and has been first chair alto saxophonist in the Otsego All-County Senior Band, Zone 8 Area All-State Band, and Hartwick College Honor Band. He is currently principal alto saxophone in the Oneonta High School Concert Band, lead alto in the Jazz Band, and a member of the Pit Band under the direction of Michael DePauw, as well as a member of the Hartwick College Jazz Ensemble and the Oneonta Community Concert Band. Additionally, he studied improvisation under Wyatt Ambrose in the Young Improvisers Collective during the summer of 2023. Overall, Bryson loves being a member of Oneonta’s musical community and appreciates being able to live in a world full of music.

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2022-2023 Season Young Artists:

For September 16, 2022:  Sam Antrosio is a tenth grader at Oneonta High School. He began studying cello at age 8 with Ben Whittenburg, then with Linda Magill, and is currently a student of Jacob Efthimiou. At his first NYSSMA festival in May 2022, he received a 99% on his Level 5 solo. Sam has performed in the Little Delaware Youth Ensemble and the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Summer Chamber Music Camp. In addition to cello, Sam plays guitar in the Oneonta High School jazz band and sings in the concert choir.

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For October 7, 2022:  Victoria Nash is in her second year at Hartwick College and is pursuing degrees in Music and English. She is originally from Columbus, Ohio, and plays harp and piano. She also sings in the Hartwick College Choir. Victoria currently studies harp in the studio of Karlida Caldicott and piano in the studio of Fideliz Sta. Brigida. In high school, she played in the studio of Janet Thompson and was a community member of the Kenyon College Harp Ensemble. Victoria has also attended the Young Artist’s Harp Seminar, where she had the opportunity to observe and participate in master classes and performances. She has enjoyed her time at Hartwick and in the Oneonta community and looks forward to continuing her time here.

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For November 4, 2022:  Patrick Close, originally from Greenville, New York, is a freshman at Hartwick College, pursuing degrees in both Biology and Music Performance.  He began playing the piano at the age of 8, studying with Sherri Hvizdak for 10 years before attending Hartwick.  His first private piano recital was in March 2022, in which he performed pieces such as Liebesträume by Liszt and Étude in C-Sharp Minor by Chopin.  His appearance as OCA’s Young Artist is his first public performance as a student of Hartwick Professor Fideliz Sta. Brigida.   In addition to piano, Patrick plays the trumpet in Hartwick’s wind ensemble.  He is also an athlete, expecting to run in Hartwick’s indoor and outdoor track seasons.  He has enjoyed his time at Hartwick so far, and is looking forward to continuing his career in music.

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For March 31, 2023:  Jake and Cody Buchman grew up in Staten Island, NY, with an early interest in music, attending many concerts and recitals at the local university, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. Both were hooked on music after Jake asked for piano lessons for his fifth birthday. They subsequently began exploring other instruments, and were among the founding members of the Staten Island Youth Philharmonic: Jake on Double Bass and Cody on Violin. When they moved to Bainbridge, NY, they continued playing in youth orchestras, including Little Delaware Youth Ensemble and the Binghamton Youth Philharmonic. They also began exploring other styles besides classical music, and over the years they put out a number of pop and rock recordings under their band “Searching for Meaning.” While in high school, Jake and Cody spent several summers playing gigs, winning competitions, and studying composition and modern music at the Berklee College of Music. The two still play and record around Oneonta, NY, and pursue their musical interests year round, attending festivals from Boston to the Oberlin Conservatory. They currently study music at Hartwick College, Jake with Luke Baker and Cody with Uli Speth. Jake is also a member of the Schenectady Symphony, a sub with many other groups, and a representative for early music in NY.  In addition to their music at Hartwick, Jake is majoring in Psychology and Cody is majoring in Biology.

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For April 28, 2023:  Cassandra (Casie) Daum is a Senior at Oneonta High School. She began playing tuba in 5th grade for the Greater Plains Elementary Band. She has performed for All County Festivals, NYSSMA Solo Festivals, Area All State Festivals, New York’s All State Conference (2021), and played with the NAfME 2022 All National Honor Band in Washington, DC. She has also played with the Hartwick College Honor Band, Brass Day at Schenectady College, and tenor sax with the Oneonta Community Concert Band. Casie plays bass guitar with Oneonta High School’s Jazz Band, and pit band for musicals. She sang in the OHS production of Little Shop of Horrors, as a very evil Audrey II, and played bass in the pit band. Casie is passionate about rock & roll and football. She hopes to study music and psychology at a large college with a great football team and marching band. During the summer Casie can be found lifeguarding at the Greater Plains Pool and playing rock songs on her bass, acoustic and electric guitars, and on piano.

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2021-2022 Season Young Artists:

For November 5, 2021: Anika Christensen is a senior at Seton Catholic Central High School in Binghamton, NY. This is her second time performing with the OCA Young Artist Program, the first time being in 2018. She has been studying with Dr. Ana Laura González of Hartwick College since eighth grade. Currently she plays flute with the Binghamton Youth Symphony Orchestra, and is a former member of the Hartwick College Flute Choir, the Mid-York Concert Band, the Norwich City Band, and the select Hartwick Honor Band. While COVID put a damper on live performances, Anika has recently been a participant and winner in several virtual competitions.  She also sings soprano and is scheduled to perform in 2022 with Seton’s Select Chorus at the Vatican and Carnegie Hall.  Anika also participates in Science Olympiad, and community service activities through school and National Honor Society. When she has free time, she likes to spend it reading sci-fi and fantasy fiction and hanging out with her friends. Next year she intends to pursue a Bachelor of Music in flute performance at a yet-undecided college or conservatory.

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For November 19, 2021: Adrianna Dugan is a freshman at Hartwick College, pursuing degrees in music and biochemistry.  She has been playing French horn since she was nine years old, and has performed with the Otsego County All-County Band, Area All-State Band, the Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble, the Oneonta Community Concert Band, and attended the New York State All-State Festival, twice for band and once for wind ensemble.  In the past, while still in high school, she performed in multiple Hartwick College Master Classes, along with the Hartwick Horn Choir and Hartwick Honor Band, and played trombone in the Oneonta High School Pep Band and Jazz Band. She also participated with the Mid-York Band, and the pit band for the OHS performance of 42nd Street and the Orpheus Theater production of A Christmas Carol.  Besides music, she has a passion for chemistry and the sciences, and enjoys reading whatever she can get her hands on. After college she plans to travel abroad to complete a master’s degree in biochemistry, and to continue playing French horn in ensembles.

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For March 18, 2022: Malena Buttermann Twelve-year-old Malena Buttermann is a seventh grader at the Oneonta Middle School. She began playing cello at the age of six under the guidance of Zachary Sweet. She continued her studies under Marie Tucker and is currently in Ruth Berry’s private studio. Malena is a member of the Little Delaware Youth Ensemble and achieved perfect scores in her first NYSSMA participation in 2021. Malena also enjoys playing clarinet in Mr. Oram’s OMS band and has recently been selected first chair for the All-County Festival Middle School band. You can find Malena dancing at the Decker School of Ballet and singing with the Catskill Choir Society’s Treble Trouble group under Ms. Cindy Donaldson.

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For April 8, 2022:  Louis Doherty is a junior Music major at Hartwick College. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland via Portland, Oregon, Louis is a woodwind artist notable for his performances on saxophone and clarinet. He has been playing the saxophone since age 11, and has performed with numerous organizations spanning the US, including the Beaverton School District Honor Band, Portland Youth Philharmonic, CBDNA Intercollegiate Band, and including solo and chamber ventures in classical and jazz spheres. Louis’ musical travels have taken him to California, Florida, Nevada, New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, and Ireland. In his spare time he enjoys writing music, and maintains an avid interest in piano performance along with his woodwind performance.

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For April 29, 2022: Thomas Odell will complete a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at the College of Saint Rose in Spring 2022. As the college’s 2019 Concerto Competition winner, he performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 19 with the Saint Rose Symphony Orchestra. He has appeared in solo and studio recitals throughout the Capital District showcasing repertoire ranging from Bach to Ginastera. As a collaborative artist, he has performed alongside singers, instrumentalists, and chamber ensembles. Thomas has also worked as the Choir Director for Schenevus Central School. There he gave piano lessons, taught general music, and conducted three choirs. In his free time, Thomas enjoys singing and playing traditional Irish music on traditional instruments.

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2020-2021 Season: Postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic

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2019-2020 Season Young Artists:

For October 4, 2019: Lucy Menke, 13, lives in Delhi, NY, and will be a 9th grader at Delaware Academy. In 2017, she performed the national anthem with Delaware Academy’s Treble Choir at Citi Field for a New York Mets game. Lucy participates in her school orchestra as a violinist and in chorus as a soprano. She has had multiple solos in her choir, and sang “O Holy Night” for which she received a standing ovation. She has been selected for All-County multiple times and was most recently selected to perform at Area All-State. She has received perfect scores on all three of her vocal NYSSMA solos, most recently performing a level 5 as an eighth-grader. Lucy has been studying voice privately with Kimberly Collison since the age of 10. She enjoys singing, riding horses, dancing, and spending time with her friends. Lucy occasionally accompanies herself singing with the ukulele and piano.

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For November 2, 2019:  Ushuaia Diaz, a 2017 Schenevus Central School graduate, is a junior Music Education major at Hartwick College and studies with Robin Seletsky. She opened as a Young Artist for Oneonta Concert Association during the 2017-18 season and in February 2019 was selected for the College Band Directors’ National Association intercollegiate small band program, where she played in the first clarinet section. Ushuaia completed an internship at the University of Graz in Oberschützen, Austria at the International Center for Wind Music Research. While there, she studied clarinet with Peter Forcher. She is currently concertmaster of the Hartwick College Wind Ensemble, principal clarinetist of the SUCO-Hartwick Orchestra, and regularly performs with the Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble and Oneonta Community Concert Band. She has recently joined the American Federation of Musicians. Ushuaia will be having her junior recital this fall on November 10th where she will play works by Brahms, Kovács, and Piazzolla.

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2018-2019 Season Young Artists:

For September 21, 2018: Joseph “JP” Dewey of Sidney, NY has been playing piano for 12 years. JP has performed with the Sidney High School Jazz Band, Chenango County All-County Jazz Band, Hartwick College Jazz Band, and The O’Dewey Jazz Duo. JP currently studies with Robert Roman of SUNY Oneonta. In addition to piano, JP plays trumpet, sings in the high school chorus, and is a substitute organist at his church. JP’s other hobbies include golf, bowling, and tennis, National Honor Society, Sidney Students Against Destructive Decisions Club (SSADD), Interact Club, Tri-M Music Honor society, and Boy Scouts.  JP recently won the University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Science Award and the Rochester Institute of Technology Computing Medal. He hopes to attend the University of Rochester to study music and chemistry.

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For October 12, 2018: Anika Liv Christensen is an eighth grade student at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School and has been playing the flute for five years under the instruction of Mrs. Anne Monaco and Dr. Ana Laura González. She has performed with the GMUCS High-School Symphonic Band, Otsego County Junior High School All-County Band, Norwich City Band, GMUCS High-School Jazz Band, Hartwick Honor Band, GMUCS Senior Chorus, All-County Junior High School Chorus, and accompanies the GMUCS Elementary and Junior Choruses on piano.  Anika enjoys school, particularly math, science, and literature, and participates in Leadership Club, student government, Women for Change, and Drama Club.

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For November 2, 2018: The Little Delaware Youth Ensemble (LDYE) was established in 2000 by former music director Julie Signitzer, Deanna Palumbo and a dedicated group of parents who shared the goal of creating an institution where promising young string players could come together to learn and grow as musicians and to gain ensemble experience unavailable elsewhere in their home area in rural central New York.  From its modest beginning with fewer than 15 families, LDYE has more than doubled in size over the past 15 years. In 2013 a Preparatory Orchestra was initiated that nurtures the talents of student musicians from four counties in central New York. Because most local schools in the area do not offer string programs, LDYE is the only ensemble experience available for these talented young musicians.  The groups rehearse in Oneonta one evening each week and perform four public concerts annually. Violinist Uli Speth was appointed to the position of conductor and music director in June of 2015.  German-born and a resident of Mount Vernon, NY, Uli is a violin instructor at Hartwick College, concertmaster of the Binghamton Philharmonic, and a regular performer in ensembles throughout the region.

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For April 7, 2019: Hiram Lopez is 10 years old and has been playing violin since age 3. He attends the Kanack School of Musical Artistry in Rochester, NY, where his teacher is Lee Byrne.  He participates in chamber-music groups and enjoys improvisation. Recently Hiram performed at the Kanack School of Musical Artistry fundraising showcase. He plays violin regularly at his church, accompanied by the pipe organist.  Hiram is fluent in Spanish.  His hobbies are wrestling and chess.

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2017-2018 Season Young Artists:

For September 8, 2017: Elizabeth Chernyak (violin & piano) and Katherine Chernyak (violin & piano) were born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and currently live in Sidney, NY. When they were 5 years old, they began to study the piano, and at age 7 began to study violin under the direction of Ruth Wiebe.  They currently study with Uli Speth. Both Elizabeth and Katherine were members of the Windsor Youth Symphony Orchestra, Sunny Side Strings, and are current members of the Little Delaware Youth Ensemble and the Binghamton Youth Symphony.  Elizabeth and Katherine participated in the Kiwanis Festival where they were awarded first place for violin performance.  Elizabeth enjoys sailing, horseback riding, drawing, and writing stories. She is also a competitive swimmer at Sidney Swim Club and plays volleyball and basketball.  Katherine enjoys sailing, horseback riding, competitive swimming, and volleyball.

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For October 13, 2017: Ushuaia Diaz has been playing clarinet since the 4^th grade.  She also plays piano, flute, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, guitar, and sings.  She has participated in NYSSMA, Area All-State, and has been first chair in All-County twice.  Ushuaia plays basketball, is an active member of her church, and is an academic scholar.  She is currently a freshman at Hartwick College, studying biology and music performance.  Ushuaia is accompanied by her mother on piano.

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For November 3, 2017: Naamah Romano is a 9^th grader at Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton Central School.  She started playing violin when she was 7 years old under the direction of Julie Signitzer (Oneonta), Linda Case (Ithaca), and Uli Speth (Hartwick College).  Naamah has been a member of Little Delaware Youth Ensemble for the past 7 years, and concert master for the past 2 years.  She is also a member of the Binghamton Youth Symphony Orchestra.  Naamah has attended the New York Summer Music Festival and SUNY Oneonta for 3 years, and Point Counterpoint Camp in Vermont for 2 years.  Naamah also enjoys playing saxophone and is a member of her school’s symphonic and jazz bands.

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For March 16, 2018: Siobhan Higgins is 15 years old and home-schooled in Otego.  Siobhan began playing piano when she was 7 and is currently studying with Fideliz Campbell.  Her favorite composer is J. S. Bach.  She also plays violin with the Little Delaware Youth Ensemble with violin teacher Uli Speth.  She dances with the Decker School of Ballet, under the instruction of Donna Decker.  When Siobhan isn’t dancing or practicing an instrument, she enjoys horseback riding, needlepoint, and reading.

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For April 20, 2018: Lucian Lytel (viola) and Quinn Lytel (violin) began playing stringed instruments at an early age. They currently study with Uli Speth and are members of the Little Delaware Youth Ensemble. They have performed at various venues in and around Cooperstown, New York, where they live. Lucian has been selected as a member of the Area All-State Orchestra, and Quinn has been selected for All-County Chorus and Band. In addition to playing the viola, Lucian also plays the guitar and tenor saxophone, and his rock band, Rancid Lizard, recently had its debut performance at Cooperstown High School’s “Brain Jam.” Quinn is a member of her school band, in which she plays the clarinet, and is also a member of the Cooperstown Junior High Chorus. Lucian and Quinn previously participated in the Oneonta Concert Association’s Young Artist Program as members of the Lytel Trio.

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2016-2017 Season Young Artists:

For September 9, 2016: David Gouldin is a 7th grader at Oneonta Middle School. David began dancing Hip Hop at Jillian’s Dance Arts in 2013. In 2015, he began studying technical dance, such as Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz. In addition to dance, David has been involved in musical theater with the Orpheus Theatre, playing Flounder in The Little Mermaid, James in Willy Wonka, and Rich Man’s Son in Gypsy.

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For October 7, 2016: Benjamin Blacklock is finishing his junior year in high school, having participated in many music-related activities, including first chair clarinetist in the NYSSMA Gold Award-winning concert band at Oneonta High School with director Mr. Mike Depauw; NYSSMA Music Festival level 6 solo, earning a score of 98; College Woodwind Ensemble directed by Robin Seletsky; Oneonta High School Jazz Ensemble, playing saxophone; All-County concert band; All-State Regional band; and private clarinet lessons with Robin Seletsky. He is also very interested in engineering and has participated in Robokronos Robotics team of Oneonta High School at FIRST Robotics competitions. He is an excellent student and plays sports when he is not studying or playing music.

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For November 4, 2016: The Little Delaware Youth Ensemble (LDYE) was established in 2000 by music director Julie Signitzer, Deanna Palumbo and a dedicated group of parents who shared the goal of creating an institution where promising young string players could come together to learn and grow as musicians and to gain ensemble experience unavailable elsewhere in their home area in rural central New York. In 2013 a Preparatory Orchestra was initiated for younger, less experienced students. Today, LDYE is an enduring institution that nurtures the talents of student musicians from four counties. The groups rehearse in Oneonta one evening each week and perform four public concerts annually.

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For March 3, 2017: Hua Cui, 10 years old, started piano lessons at age 5 with Kristina Turechek. Hua’s favorite composers are Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Chopin. She admires Horowitz, Brendel, and especially the Russian pianists that are full of “fire,” such as Maria Yudina and Evgeny Kissin. Besides playing piano, Hua enjoys art, exploring the garden, caring for plants, and observing small animals.

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For April 21, 2017: Luis Rivas is 12 years old and has been singing in the choir of the First Christian Church of Otego for 3 years. He took first place last year at the Otsego County Fair Mini Karaoke Competition; placed second in the Talent Show competition at the Chenango County Fair, and went on to compete at the State Fair, where he made the semi-finals. He loves to sing all types of music, but his passion is Gospel music. His other interests include, skateboarding, roller skating, baseball, archery, horseback riding, video games, and practicing his guitar.

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2015-2016 Season Young Artists:

For Sept. 11, 2015: The Lytel Trio Sam Lytel (violin, age 14), Lucian Lytel (viola, age 12), and Quinn Lytel (violin, age 11) began playing stringed instruments at an early age, initially studying at the Hochstein School of Music in Rochester, New York. Most recently, they have been studying with Marie Tucker. They have all soloed, to one extent or another, with the Little Delaware Youth Ensemble (LDYE) under the direction of Julie Signitzer. In addition, they have performed at various venues in Cooperstown, New York, where they now live. Sam has been awarded a perfect score at NYSSMA for a recent duet performance and won the Cooperstown Middle School Concerto Competition in 2015. Lucian and Quinn have both achieved “Outstanding” ratings at NYSSMA. In addition to the aforementioned instruments, Sam, Lucian, and Quinn also enjoy playing several others, including the trumpet, tenor saxophone, clarinet, piano, bass, mandolin, and guitar.

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For Oct. 9, 2015: Hua Cui, 9 years old, is our young artist for October. She is a fifth-grader at Greater Plains Elementary School in Oneonta, New York and studies with local piano teacher Kristina Turechek. Our young pianist’s favorite composers are Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Chopin.

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For March 13, 2016: Margaret Ernst started playing the violin at three years of age, and is enrolled in the Ithaca Talent Education Program under the direction of Sandy Reuning. She has toured with their Heifetz Ensemble in the Carolinas and in Mexico. She now studies privately with Kirsten Marshall of Ithaca Talent Education Program. Margaret is a student at Morris Central School, where she is part of the band, chorus, and jazz ensemble.

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For April 15, 2016: Elaina Palada is a senior at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School, where she is principal flute of the Symphonic Band, as well as a member of the Senior Chorus, Jazz Band, dinner theaters, and the school musicals. She has been a member of the Binghamton Youth Symphony Orchestra since 2013 and principal flute since 2014. Elaina has achieved success with her NYSSMA solo contests, receiving perfect scores on her All-State Solos in 2014 and 2015. She was an alternate for the All-State Conference Symphonic Band in 2014. With voice, she has received Outstanding scores on her level V and VI solos in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Elaina is a 2015 winner in the Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Division of the STMTA solo competition. She has also participated in the Susquehanna University Honors Band Festival, where she was principal flute of the Wind Ensemble in 2014 and 2015. Vocally, Elaina was a Dox Apprentice with the Catskill Choral Society in 2014-2015. She has been involved in musical productions at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School for many years, most recently playing the Jester in Once Upon a Mattress, JoJo in Seussical, Annie in Oklahoma, and Belle in Beauty and the Beast. During the summer, she attends the New York Summer Music Festival at SUCO. Elaina studies flute with Dr. Ana Laura González and voice with Cindy Donaldson. Other teachers include Bonnie Kim at NYSMF and Anne Monaco at GMUSC. She has been inspired and encouraged musically by Mr. Mathew Oram, Instrumental Music Teacher at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School. In college, she plans to pursue a career in music education and/or performance.

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2014-2015 Season Young Artists:

For May 15, 2015: David Fenwick is in his third year at Ithaca College School of Music, double majoring in cello performance and composition. He has played cello since age 4 and is a student of Elizabeth Simkin. David is principal cellist of the Ithaca College Chamber Orchestra and has also been a member of the Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra. He also plays with a chamber group at Ithaca College and is a member of Ithaca College Choir. This past summer he attended Brevard Summer Arts Festival in North Carolina where he was a member of both Brevard Sinfonia and Brevard Music Center Orchestra. In years past he has attended Wintergreen Music Festival, Interlochen Summer Arts Academy, Boston Conservatory Summer Composition Intensive, Apple Hill Chamber Music Festival and Point CounterPoint Chamber Music Camp. David studies composition with Dana Wilson and has written works for Solo Cello, Solo Piano, Solo Clarinet, Piano Trio, String Quartet and Sextet, Pierrot Ensemble, Voice and Piano, Trombone Quintet and is working on a cello concerto.

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For April 17, 2015: Zoe Fuentes, 14, lives in Delancey, NY, and is a 9th grader at Delaware Academy. She has opened as a singer for children’s recording artist Elizabeth Mitchell at a Young Artist Showcase at West Kortright Centre in East Meredith, NY as well as Cantus here for The Oneonta Concert Association last spring.  Zoe participates in her high school choir as a soprano, and in the orchestra as a violinist. She has sung three solos in school concerts, including “Think of Me” from The Phantom of the Opera, which earned her a standing ovation. She has in the All-County Choir, and scored “Outstanding” on all vocal solos at NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) festivals. She also is going to 2014’s Area All-State to sing in the woman’s choir.  Zoe has studied classical song literature for four years as well as piano basics. She hopes to attend the Juilliard School, and someday play the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. She has appeared in the casts of Annie, The Wizard of Oz and The King and I at school, and plans to be in future school productions.  Zoe thanks her friends and family for supporting her, especially her grandfather who, before his passing, decided it was time for Zoe to get singing lessons. She also thanks her voice teacher, Johana Arnold.

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March 20, 2015 featured two Young Artists:

For March 20, 2015: Owen Nied is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumental (guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, pianica and percussion) musician who has been performing since he was nine. In addition to playing solo, Owen also fronts the rock band Owen and the Nepotists, with whom he arranges, plays guitar and sings lead vocals with a quartet of experienced musicians, including world-jazz bassist Bobby Kendall. He is one half of the experimental jazz-fusion duo Two Headed Boy and the folk-rock group The Nieds. He is also lead guitarist, composer and arranger for The Onlys, a horn-driven trio that explores rock, jazz, Latin and funk. Owen is now producing a web-based music series called Live from Owen’s Porch in which he improvises live “jam” performances with other musicians while exploring multiple music genres including Americana, folk, blues and jazz.  Owen was a featured performer at the 2011 and 2012 Ukulele Festival of Great Britain, having been awarded an initial performance slot by winning a YouTube video competition. In 2013 he completed a tour of music clubs in Paris, France, and in the summer of 2014 he toured the Southwest, including performances in Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. In November of this year he completed an original score for dance company Air Dance New Mexico’s 2015 season. Owen often performs for benefits and community events and has created and presented music education programs for elementary, middle and high schools.

Owen is a member of the Schoharie County, New York Youth Board and a Certified School Peer Mediator. When not performing or teaching music to private students, he sketches, paints, sculpts, and creates original short films through his own indie production company called Art in Fact Films. Owen lives with his mom, dad, and cat in Schoharie County, NY.

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For March 20, 2015: Dan Ainspan is currently a senior at SUNY Oneonta, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry with Minors in both Audio Production and Percussion Performance. As a percussionist, Dan has played in many different ensembles, including the SUNY Oneonta Jam Band, Percussion Ensemble, R&B Band, Zappa Band, and the Hartwick/Oneonta Rock Orchestra. Dan has also performed with nationally renowned Poetry Slam artist Regie Gibson, as well as various musical productions on campus, including Spring Awakening in the spring of 2014.  In the spring of 2012, Dan was voted President of the Drag ‘N Rolls Drumline. Dan is also a member of the Audio Production Engineering Club and Music Industry Club. Dan is currently in the Classical Percussion Ensemble and Zappa band and has been taking marimba and drumset lessons with Dr. Julie Licata and Blake Fleming. Dan has also studied under Dr. Joe Pignato, Richard Albagli, John Antonio, and drummer Joey Pucci from Joey Pucci and the American Longboards.

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For Oct. 11, 2014: Jonathan Fenwick, is a high-school junior from Ithaca, NY, who has played violin since age 4. Jonathan is co-concertmaster of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and plays with an affiliated chamber group. During summer 2014 he attended the Young Artist Orchestral Program at Tanglewood, MA.  In 2013 he won the MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) New York State High School String Competition. He was recently selected to perform with the Conference All State Symphony Orchestra for NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association).  Jonathan is a student of Peter Rovit, and previously studied with Nicholas DiEugenio, with early instruction from Sanford Reuning. Jonathan also spent two years at Kinhaven Music Camp, three years at Greenwood Music Camp, and three years at Ithaca Advanced Suzuki Institute. Jonathan is also a composer and pianist and a member of the Ithaca High School Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra, and plays with an affiliated chamber group. He was formerly concertmaster of Ithaca Community Orchestra.

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For Sept. 20, 2014: Lola Olson, a dancer attending high school in Delhi, NY, opens for The Vanaver Caravan, as part of OCA’s first concert of the 2014-15 season.  Lola is 15, and studies at the Elite Dance Academy and the Donna Decker School of Ballet, both in downthown Oneonta, NY. As a member of Elite Dance Academy’s competition team, she has earned platinum and elite gold medals for her solo performances.  Lola also loves theater and has performed with Orpheus Theatre in Oneonta, the Franklin Stage Company, and at the West Kortright Centre.  She enjoys music, and has received an outstanding score for her singing at area NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) festivals. Lola also plays violin, ukulele, and piano.

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 2013-2014 Season Young Artists:

For May 23, 2014: Zak Aldridge, who will play saxophone for OCA, is a senior at Milford Central School and first chair saxophonist in his school’s concert and jazz bands. Though his forte is jazz, he has participated in NYSSMA All-County and Area All-State bands, and enjoys all opportunities to perform.  Last year, Zak lived abroad as an exchange student in Thailand, where he learned to speak Thai and kept up his playing by participating in his school’s marching band. Zak comes from a musical family, including brother Sam, who plays percussion and sitar, and his mom, klezmer clarinetist Robin Seletsky.  Zak is considering college concentrations in fields related to international diplomacy and foreign languages, but is already certain he’ll remain a part of the music scene wherever he goes.

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For April 25, 2014: Neyen Romano is a senior at Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton High School, and has been playing the flute since age 9. Neyen recently joined the Binghamton Symphony Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Barry Peters. He has also played in symphony and chamber orchestras at the New York Summer Music Festival at SUNY Oneonta, attending for the past five years.  Other activities include participating in a flute choir at Hartwick College in Oneonta, and playing at community events, including the Sherburne (NY) Pageant of Bands. Neyen is a member of his school concert and jazz bands, both under the direction of Mathew Oram. He also plays in the pit band for local musicals, and in other school ensembles, including a woodwind quintet and a flute quartet. Neyen has played in the NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) All-County and Area-All State Band for several years. As a soloist, he has presented at NYSSMA multiple times, preparing Level 6 (top difficulty) solos.  Outside of school, Neyen studies under Ana Laura Gonzalez at Hartwick College. (Former teachers include Greg Pattillo, Joanne Grigoriev, and Bonnie Kim.) He plans to attend college as a music major, and become a member of a professional orchestra. Neyen lives with his parents and sister in Otego, NY.

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For March 28, 2014: Zoe Fuentes, 13, lives in Delancey, NY, and is an 8th grader at Delaware Academy. She has opened as a singer for children’s recording artist Elizabeth Mitchell at a Young Artist Showcase at West Kortright Centre in East Meredith, NY.  Zoe participates in her middle school choir as a soprano, and in the orchestra as a violinist. She has sung three solos in school concerts, including “Think of Me” from The Phantom of the Opera, which earned her a standing ovation. She sings in the All-County Choir, and scored “Outstanding” on all vocal solos at NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) festivals.  Zoe has studied classical song literature for three years as well as piano basics. She hopes to attend the Juilliard School, and someday play the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. She has appeared in the casts of Annie and The Wizard of Oz at school, and plans to be in future school productions.  Zoe thanks her family for supporting her, especially her grandfather who, before his passing, decided it was time for Zoe to get singing lessons. She also thanks her voice teacher, Johana Arnold.

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For Oct. 25, 2013: Esther Witherell, 17, has a lot of flexibility to pursue the musical activities she enjoys, as a home-schooled high school student. She has studied violin with Liz Silver for six years, and along the way has been involved in music camps, chamber groups, and the Empire State Youth Orchestras (ESYO).  With ESYO, she traveled to China and South Korea on tour during the summer of 2012.  Closer to home, she also enjoys performing in ESYO’s orchestra concerts several times a year.  Esther loves organizing and performing in chamber groups. In June, 2013, her string quartet was recorded for broadcast on WMHT-FM classical radio’s weekly program, “No Ticket Required.” WMHT public radio (89.1 FM) serves New York’s capital region and surrounding areas as an affiliate of National Public Radio (NPR). The quartet also included 2012-13 season OCA Young Artist Jacob Efthimiou on cello.  Esther lives with her family near Albany, NY. Her extracurricular activities include church youth group and Generation Joshua, a politically active group of Christian teens. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and playing with her siblings.

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For Sept. 27, 2013: Owen Nied, is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, violin, ukulele, banjo, saxophone, drums), who has performed since age 9. Owen debuted with OCA in 2012, opening for Scotland’s legendary Battlefield Band. Owen fronts the rock band Owen and the Nepotists, with whom he arranges, plays lead guitar and sings in a quartet of experienced adults.  Owen’s original music ranges from edgy/jazzy pop to blues/rock to punkabilly and is influenced by artists as diverse as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Dave Brubeck, Chuck Berry, and the Ramones. He made his international debut in 2011 at the Ukulele Festival of Great Britain and returned in 2012 as a performer. Owen also played club dates in London as part of a UK tour and has been invited to perform in Melbourne, Australia.  At home, Owen was chair violin of his school orchestra and jazz guitarist for his school’s stage band. Owen performs at benefits and community events, and on radio. He is a member of his county Youth Bureau, and is a certified School Peer Mediator. When not playing music, he sketches, paints, sculpts, cooks and creates cartoons. Owen lives with his mom, dad, and cat in upstate New York. To see Owen on YouTube: Owen Nied, Ukulele. Homepage: OwenNied.com

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2012-2013 Season Young Artists:

For May 17, 2013: Cedric Taylor lives in Margaretville, NY, and is brother to performing partner Curtis. Cedric, 16 is home-schooled, and started playing his violin six years ago.  He has performed at Delaware & Ulster Railroad events, for his church, and for the Open Eye Theatre, founded in 1972 in New York City by acclaimed dancer-choreographer Jean Erdman and her husband, renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell. The troupe expanded to year-round programming in the Catskill Mountains in 1994. Aside from music, Cedric enjoys soccer, basketball, reading, and cooking. He is pleased to play for OCA.

Curtis Taylor, is a home-schooler from Margaretville, NY, and younger brother to Cedric. He has studied violin for six years and has played with the Little Delaware Youth Ensemble for five years.  He also plays for The Open Eye Theatre in Delaware County, at events for Delaware & Ulster Railroad, and for church. When not playing violin, Curtis likes to play paintball, soccer and read. He is excited to be an OCA Young Artist.

For April 5, 2013 and Nov. 30, 2012: Jacob Efthimiou began his study of the cello at age 10. He has been a member of the Empire State Youth Orchestra since fall 2009. He won the Lois Lyman Concerto Competition, and recently performed the winning piece, Cello Concerto No. 1 by Saint-Saëns, with the orchestra at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.  In June 2012, he toured Asia with ESYO, performing as principal cellist in China and South Korea. Jacob won 3rd prize at the Anthony R. Stefan Scholarship Competition in 2012, and has been featured on WSKG Public Television’s Expressions series along with his three siblings.  Jacob’s musical studies began under Julian Wilcox, followed by study under Benjamin Whittenburg. He now studies with Nathaniel Parke, and has attended the New York Summer Music Festival for three years. He won the festival’s concerto competition in 2012. Jacob has performed with the Little Delaware Chamber Players and was a member of the Little Delaware Youth Ensemble and Footlights, a youth acting company. He remains active with the Central Delaware County Home-School Drama Club. College plans include studying music and academics. To see Jacob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXlJ4T7jDHw

For March 8, 2013: Emily Bartz has been playing flute for seven years, many of those for the Binghamton Youth Symphony, often as first flute or principal chair. She received A+’s on all flute, piccolo, and piano New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) solos during high school, and 2nd place in the Empire State Youth Competition in Ithaca (2011) and Rochester (2012). She placed first in the STMTA’s spring competition in 2010 and 2011, and performed a solo concerto with the Binghamton Community Orchestra.  Emily enjoyed the New York State Summer Music Festival at the SUNY at Oneonta in the summers of 2011 and 2012, and was awarded a scholarship and principal chair in the Chamber Orchestra. She won the Binghamton Youth Symphony Concerto Competition. She played flute and piccolo in the pit orchestras for a community production of My Fair Lady and a high school production of Beauty & the Beast. She offers private flute lessons to students.  Outside of music, Emily enjoys soccer, participating in local dramatic productions, art, and hanging out with friends. College plans include pursuing music and academics. Emily is honored to open for OCA. She thanks especially her flute teacher Nina Stutzman, her family (particularly her parents), and friends for their inspiration, love and support.

For Oct. 5 2012: Owen Nied performed in 2012, and returned by popular demand to open for OCA’s Sept. 27, 2013 concert. See his full biography above, in the 2013-14 season Young Artists section.

OCA Community Outreach

Part of OCA’s mission is to provide free informative presentations for students and the community in connection with our concerts. Free school workshops, master classes, demonstrations, pre-concert lectures, and other educational sessions are offered in addition to concerts. OCA co-sponsors events with other community groups, including the Catskill Symphony Orchestra, Hartwick College, SUNY Oneonta, Catskill Choral Society, Catskill Conservatory, the Community Arts Network of Oneonta (CANO), and Friends of the Oneonta Theatre.

OCA’s 2016-17 season outreach began with classes and a performance for local elementary students by the Koresh Dance Company in the fall. Outreach by members of the Todd Williams Quartet is planned for the spring.

OCA’s 2015-16 season began with Arts Field Day at Greater Plains School, where the dancers of Taylor 2 conducted workshops for the entire school, followed by a Goodrich Theater performances. Other educational activities in the 2015-16 season included student outreach with Mike Holober’s Gotham Jazz Orchestra, who conducted workshops for two local high school jazz bands.

OCA’s 2014-15 season included Arts Field Days at both Greater Plains and Valleyview Elementary Schools, which provided a full school day of arts-related activities for each school. School performances at Goodrich Theater and Oneonta Theatre with The Vanaver Caravan and the Grace Kelly Jazz Quartet served these schools and additional area students. A community “jam session” with Vanaver Caravan folk artists took place in September.

FOR 2013-14:
KORESH DANCE: On Sept. 26, 2013, members of Koresh Dance Company of Phildelphia visited students at Oneonta High School during physical education class. The students got a dance lesson from the professional performers, ahead of the troupe’s performances Sept. 27 and 28 at SUNY Oneonta. Koresh Dance hosts season performances and dance workshops in the company’s hometown, Philadelphia. For more photos of the OHS event, visit the school district’s web site: http://www.oneontacsd.org/news.cfm

Other recent outreach events in 2014 coincided with appearances of premier men’s vocal group Cantus, and with Manhattan Brass and Arts Field Day.

For 2012-2013:
OCA featured free community and school workshops and events by New York’s Taylor 2 dance company in May 2012, violinist Tim Fain in November 2012, and early music ensemble Chatham Baroque in March 2013.

CHATHAM BAROQUE: On March 8, 2013, area audiences attended a morning preview of the early music ensemble’s evening performance at the Oneonta Theatre. The preview also featured Chatham’s guest vocal and dance artists, and was followed by questions from the audience.

The Red Caboose Restaurant on Main Street in Oneonta hosted a “pre-concert dinner” for evening OCA concert-goers. The Red Caboose specializes in creative local culinary fare.

On March 7, the group hosted a free performance and workshop for students at Riverside Elementary School in Oneonta. The artists explored historical time periods of their music and instruments, and answered questions. A number of students expressed a desire “play instruments like that” in school. Following the presentation, dance majors from SUNY Oneonta worked with Riverside students on Baroque dance as part of school physical education classes.

TIM FAIN: On Nov. 29, 2012, students from SUNY Oneonta learned about the making of the violinist’s new multi-media show, “Portals.” Fain was featured in the 2010 Academy Award-winning film “Black Swan.” His multi-media show featured video clips from the film’s choreographer, audio from other performers, and a commissioned work by Philip Glass. Fain’s playing was also featured in the 2005 film “Bee Season,” starring Richard Gere.

At a free workshop at Oneonta Theatre, Fain fielded questions and talked about career paths in the performing arts. For aspiring performers, he stressed the importance of “making your own opportunities” and being open to using emerging technologies to enhance presentation. Some students captured Fain’s comments on their own favorite tech devices: cell phones.

TAYLOR 2: On May 11, 2012, students from area elementary schools were treated to a preview and workshop by New York’s Taylor 2 Dance Company at the Oneonta Theatre. Artists discussed how movement affects children’s daily lives, and answered questions from “future dancers.” Company members performed works from their repertoire and demonstrated steps for students. “Really cool,” was how one student described his field trip.

Anniversary Gala

85th GALA WITH RON CARTER TRIO: OCA hosted an 85th anniversary celebration on May 17, 2013, at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta. The evening featured Grammy-winning jazz bassist Ron Carter and his Golden Striker Trio, with a pre-concert performance in the Foothills Atrium by OCA Young Artists (and brothers) Cedric and Curtis Taylor on violin.

Also at the gala was a refreshment table featuring gourmet dessert creations by Daniella D’Amico of Culinary Indulgences of Unadilla, and a silent auction fundraiser featuring items generously donated from businesses and the community. (See more photos on the “OCA News” page of this site.)

Carter, with more than 2,000 albums to his credit, has played with many greats, including Lena Horne and B.B. King. The trio also featured Russell Malone on guitar, and Donald Vega on piano. The group appeared in Oneonta fresh from a stint at the famed Blue Note in New York.

Arts Field Day

Arts Field Day, begun for OCA’s 2012-13 season, is a community-wide project celebrating the performing arts by featuring programs in area schools, in connection with OCA’s May concerts.

ARTS FIELD DAY 2013: Oneonta elementary students enjoyed several educational programs in connection with the appearance of Ron Carter’s Golden Striker Trio, as part of the city’s second annual Arts Field Day. Below is an excerpt about the day’s events from the Oneonta City School District’s web site. View the post and more photos at www.oneontacsd.org/news.cfm?story=121315&school=0

“Riverside Arts Day–Through grant funding and a strong partnership with the Oneonta Concert Association, Riverside Elementary School students joined in a celebration of the arts last Friday May 17. After learning about the Baroque era, students were able to experience live performances and perform themselves during a full day of arts appreciation. Students listened and watched as OCA Young Artist Owen Nied, an internationally known teen musician and singer/songwriter, performed in the morning. Students were able to interact and participate during a workshop on percussion and string instruments, and learned how the Baroque period of history heavily influenced modern music including jazz.

Students enjoyed a picnic lunch and recess on the school lawn in the afternoon, returning to perform their own interpretations of the Baroque era. Performances included a Shakespeare play, Beethoven on the recorder and Baroque high-fashion sunglasses.

Soon after, all students and staff walked to the Foothills Performing Arts Center to enjoy an interactive performance by the Ron Carter Trio. Ron Carter, a world famous jazz bassist, took questions from the audience and played Baroque influenced jazz pieces for the students. A great day was had by all!”