On Deck with Young Musicians

  • On Deck with Amelia Kotamarti

    On Deck with Amelia Kotamarti

    Amelia Kotamarti is a 16 year old flutist at Grant High School, who plays with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony and her high school Wind Ensemble. In this episode of “On Deck,” Amelia speaks with Raúl Gómez about how music has been a part of her life since before she can…


  • On Deck with Kai Frueh

    On Deck with Kai Frueh

    Christa Wessel talks with 18-year old pianist (and aspiring conductor!) Kai Frueh about music and connection.  Kai loves performing for people and with people.  He and his violin-playing brother Ben (featured “On Deck” 3 years ago) frequently make music together, and are actively working to spread their love of classical…


  • On Deck with Henry Pappas

    On Deck with Henry Pappas

    Raúl Gómez chats with Henry Pappas, a 16 year-old junior at Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis, OR. Henry has been playing the violin since he was 8 years old, and along the way he’s picked up clarinet, percussion, jazz, conducting, and most recently, podcasting. Henry started a podcast for…


  • On Deck with Lily Belisle

    On Deck with Lily Belisle

    Amy Faust talks with Lily Belisle, a senior at Cleveland High school who (in normal times) plays both the piano and the clarinet with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony and her high school band. Growing up with a mom who teaches piano and has a master’s degree in music, as well…


  • On Deck with William Graham

    On Deck with William Graham

    William Graham is an 18-year-old bassist with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony and a senior at Skyview High School in Vancouver, WA. William spoke with Raúl Gómez about his journey as a bass player, including participating twice in All State ensembles and serving as the principal bass for the Lower Columbia…


  • On Deck with Miller Nelson

    On Deck with Miller Nelson

    Christa Wessel chats with 16-year old pianist and composer Miller Nelson.  Miller is a junior at Corbett High School and has been playing the piano since he was in first grade.  He began composing a few years ago, and loves trying to put into music the feelings and moods he…


  • On Deck with Maggie Carter

    On Deck with Maggie Carter

    Raúl Gómez chats with Maggie Carter, a 14-year-old double bassist who loves her instrument passionately, as well as making music with her friends at the Portland Youth Philharmonic, where she is a Principal Bass. Maggie was the winner of the 2019 International Society of Bassists 14-and-under solo competition, the winner…


  • On Deck with Rylan Ferron-Jones

    On Deck with Rylan Ferron-Jones

    Amy Faust speaks with 17-year old violinist Rylan Ferron-Jones, a violin player with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony who also plays with their ensemble the MYSfits. A senior at Lincoln High School, Rylan has a penchant for challenging pieces, one of which -Prima Vera Portena by Piazzolla- he performed in the…


  • On Deck with Angela Rose Padula

    On Deck with Angela Rose Padula

    Raúl Gómez chats with 13-year-old Angela Rose Padula, a young cellist with an already impressive artistic résumé. Her latest accomplishment is to have been selected by Niel DePonte to perform at the 26th Young Artists Debut! Van Buren Concerto Concert on June 4, 2021. This concert, produced by COGNIZART (formerly…


  • On Deck with Nate Strothkamp

    On Deck with Nate Strothkamp

    Christa Wessel talks with violinist Nate Strothkamp, a 16-year old junior at Oregon Episcopal School. Nate recently won the Portland Youth Philharmonic’s Concerto Competition, which granted him the honor of playing the full Korngold Violin Concerto with PYP at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.  Nate is also involved in two…