Music Student Ambassadors

Graduation Year: 2024
Major: Music Therapy
Instrument: Clarinet
Email address: andersonr3FREEDUQUESNE


Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because I felt welcomed by the amazing community and staff before I even became a student...and every day since! The faculty reached out to me before, during, and after my audition process which made me feel so welcomed and a part of such a special family. Duquesne’s location is also perfect; the city of Pittsburgh has so many clinical opportunities for Music Therapy and an incredible arts district! 

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have had so many opportunities during my time at Duquesne! I am honored to have developed my musicianship skills by being a member in our Symphony Band and Pappert Chorale, in addition to attending many free concerts in the city! I have also had amazing clinical experiences for my music therapy curriculum right here in our community of Pittsburgh! I have worked with children at the local children's hospital, teens at a high school, and teens at a psychiatric residential care center.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
My favorite ensemble has been playing clarinet in the symphony band led by Dr. James Gourlay. He makes every rehearsal exciting and engaging with his energy and passion for music, and also picks out great and fun repertoire for us to play. 

What are your plans for the future?
After graduation in May, I will need to complete a music therapy internship which I hope to do at a medical center to work with patients on their physical, mental, and emotional health. Then, I will take my board certification exam and get a job as an MT-BC! My ideal populations to work with are the elderly, patients in a hospital, or patients receiving psychiatric care. Wherever I may end up, I know Duquesne has prepared me!

Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Music Technology
Instrument: Voice
Email address: auldridgecFREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because of the music technology program. The professors, students, and facilities all attracted me to the program and are ultimately why I chose to come to Duquesne.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have had countless opportunities to perform and record music in our professional studio facilities. I have been able to travel to New York to perform with the Duquesne Voices of Spirit choir for the National Association for Music Education. I have had the opportunity to go to the annual Audio Engineering Society (AES) summit as well as the National Association for Music Merchants (NAMM).

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
My favorite ensemble at Duquesne is the Studio Ensemble under the direction of Professor Alex Price. We have a lot of fun and get to perform and record some awesome music. The ensemble teaches you how to be an artist as a performer and an engineer as well as gives you insight into being a professional studio musician and collaborating with others. 

What are your plans for the future?
I know I want to be a part of wherever awesome music or creative projects are being made. I will most likely continue to gig as a vocalist, write and record my own music, and teach lessons. I would love to own my own studio one day and be a freelance studio musician and producer.

Graduation Year: 2024
Major: Music Performance
Instrument: Cello
Email address: baljunasaFREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I particularly loved how considerate the faculty was during my first visits to the school of music. This type of attention and care isn't seen at all schools, and this allowed me to feel as though my education and goals were in good hands. I also believe the location is advantageous to an orchestral musician, like myself. With many of Duquesne's music faculty in the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, I can see familiar faces, even my own teacher's, on stage in live performances for little or no cost at all!

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have gotten to play in a wide range of performance settings, such as an early music ensemble, professional orchestras in the area, and in gigs that required new skills for me, such as improvisation. Among one of the most exciting opportunities was participating in orchestra auditions and winning a position with the Akron Symphony.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
As much as I love orchestral music, I'd say my favorite ensemble is the Dukes Music ensemble directed by Dr. Paul Miller. This ensemble involves the interpretation and performance of early music, utilizing period instruments, the tuning system of 415 Hz, and alternative methods of playing articulations, dynamics, and phrases that match the style of this time period.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to simply follow my musical interests and allow them to guide me to new places. At Duquesne, I have discovered an even wider set of interests in the music world. I hope to continue improvising, taking orchestral auditions, teaching lessons, composing and arranging, and building my music network.

Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Music Technology
Instrument: Bass Guitar
Email address: beharycFREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because I sought to learn my passion in a close, understanding, and accepting learning environment.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have had the opportunity to be the Music Direction Intern at the Pittsburgh CLO. I have also had the opportunity to play music in a Jazz Chamber Group at Duquesne.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
My favorite Duquesne Ensemble is the Jazz Workshop! The ensemble is familiar with each other in a musical sense, and it is enriching.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to pursue commissioned compositions and maintain performance in studio and live settings!

Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Music Education
Instrument: Clarinet
Email address: chauvettekFREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I initially decided to visit Duquesne because I wanted to go to college in a city. I fell in love with Pittsburgh the first day I visited!

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
Duquesne has given me the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the most incredible musicians the city has to offer. I've already worked at an internship, a summer camp, and even a couple of local volunteer groups, all of which I learned about through word-of-mouth.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
I am a member of the Wind Symphony this year, and I am very excited to play in such a large ensemble with so many accomplished musicians.

What are your plans for the future?
I hope to teach instrumental music in the middle school or high school level. I also am taking interest in a career in woodwind doubling, but I still have so many things to learn.

Graduation Year: 2024
Major: Music Technology
Instrument: Jazz Guitar
Email address: johnsond2FREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I fell in love with the faculty and staff and instantly connected with the community at the School of Music!

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I began the Women in Audio club alongside one of my peers, and I have had the honor of serving as a Grammy U Ambassador on campus for the past two years!

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
Recording Studio Ensemble is my favorite, but I may be a bit biased. I’m the engineer for the ensemble!

What are your plans for the future?
I plan on continuing to grow myself as an entrepreneur and engineer as well as working to make my studio’s name a force to be reckoned with in the industry!

Graduation Year: 2024
Major: Music Technology
Instrument: Clarinet
Email address: jouridinemFREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne, because I felt good here and it felt different from the previous schools I toured.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I'm currently in the middle of an internship with a production company in New York. I don't think I'd be anywhere near this point if I hadn't gone here.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
Symphony Band

What are your plans for the future?
I want to do live sound and sound design for E-sports events and game companies.

Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Music Therapy
Instrument: Oboe
Email address: kingc9FREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
The faculty were so supportive and driven to help me reach my goals.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
As a therapy major, doing practicum with music therapists across a variety of settings has been the most exciting and valuable experience at Duquesne.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
I love playing in Wind Ensemble! The music is always challenging and feels so rewarding once you perform it. 

What are your plans for the future?
Before I graduate I plan to work with a variety of client populations using different methods of music therapy to see what I like best. I look forward to developing my musicianship alongside my facilitation skills. This will help me decide where I would like to intern once I graduate!

Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Music Education
Instrument: Voice
Email address: lauaFREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I met so many incredible and welcoming people when I came to visit that Duquesne automatically felt like home. 

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have had so many opportunities to take leadership positions and work with my classmates to grow my and others' educational experience.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
I love Voices of Spirit but I just joined Symphony Band which is so much fun.

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to teach middle school band or high school choir!

Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Music Education
Instrument: Saxophone
Email address: mccrackenr1FREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because of the amazing music education faculty and the countless opportunities available for students.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I've been able to participate in many ensembles, observe and teach kids in real classrooms, and attend some of the many concerts offered on and around campus.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
My favorite Duquesne ensemble is the Wind Symphony because of the challenging, often contemporary repertoire performed. 

What are your plans for the future?
After graduation, I plan to teach full time in the public school system, most likely as a high school band director.

Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Music Education
Instrument: Violin
Email address: polizzid1FREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because of the supportive faculty and the positive environment in the music school. Everyone is so supportive of each other and are more than willing to help you out! The faculty here is also just so supportive of the students and want to do whatever they can to see you succeed. 

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have gotten the opportunity to work with Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras (TRYPO) as a program assistant. The music school works closely with TRYPO and is a great opportunity for some experience in the field. 

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
Duquesne Symphony Orchestra 

What are your plans for the future?
After graduation, I would love to get a job teaching elementary or high school strings, as well as upkeep a private violin studio. After teaching for about two years, I would love to go back and get my master's degree.

Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Music Education
Instrument: Cello
Email Address: roycFREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because of the professors here in the music school.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
During my time at Duquesne, I have had the additional opportunity to work with TRYPO, which has been an awesome experience! 

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
I really enjoy playing in the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra and playing with a chamber ensemble as a part of the strings chamber music class! 

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to be a teacher and professional cellist!

Graduation Year: 2025
Major: Music Therapy
Instrument: Saxophone
Email Address: startupcFREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I was drawn to Duquesne initially for the music therapy program, but once I toured the campus and met some of the faculty, I knew it was the school for me! There is such a sense of community within the music school that I didn't feel at any other college I visited and it felt like a new home for me. 

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
Playing at the PMEA festival with the Wind Symphony; going to two different Music Therapy conferences in Niagara Falls and Harrisburg. 

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
Wind Symphony

What are your plans for the future?
Once I graduate I hope to do my internship in the mental health field and become a board certified music therapist!

Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Music Performance
Instrument: Tuba
Email Address: todorovnFREEDUQUESNE 

Why did you choose Duquesne?
I chose Duquesne because of the excellent faculty and the close and positive bonds between the students. Everyone encourages others to get better and willingly gives help when asked and the faculty is consistently present and interacts with students both in and out of class.

What are some exciting opportunities you've had during your time here at Duquesne?
I have had the opportunity to perform with many ensembles from a Brass Band to a Tuba Ensemble. I have also performed with the brass band at a Pittsburgh Pirates game, at churches, and weddings. Additionally, there are many chances to hear unique and amazing ensembles from around the world. For example, last year a Dance Troupe from Ghana performed at Duquesne on their United States Tour.

What is your favorite Duquesne ensemble?
My favorite Duquesne Ensemble is the Brass Band.

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to play tuba professionally in an orchestra or military band.