The Central Texas Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is in its second season serving students, grades 8-12, in the Round Rock, Georgetown and surrounding Central Texas communities. Orchestra members develop musicianship on their chosen instrument while honing leadership, collaboration, and self-discipline skills that can be applied in all aspects of their lives.
With varied performance opportunities (small and large ensembles as well as side by side concerts with the Central Texas Philharmonic), CTP Youth Orchestra is cultivating the love of music within the next generation of performers and audience members. Students are contributing members of a positive, supportive, and diverse team working together toward a common goal.
Elizabeth McCallum
Solo Contest Winner
Elizabeth McCallum is a junior at Georgetown High School where she is a three-year member of the varsity orchestra. Accomplished on piano, violin, and harp, Elizabeth has played all three instruments with the varsity orchestra, as well as playing in both the string ensemble and harp ensemble. The musical activity at GHS that Elizabeth most enjoys is the opportunity to play in the pit orchestra for the annual school musical.
Elizabeth was selected for the All-Region High School String Orchestra and the All-Area High School Orchestra on violin during both her freshman and sophomore years. In addition, she has qualified for the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest on harp, piano, and violin. Elizabeth began piano lessons at Armstrong Community Music School when she was four years old and has studied piano with Erin Ferguson Young for over eleven years. She started violin lessons a year later at Dolce Music Studio and currently studies there with Steve Merson.
Beginning in middle school, she fulfilled her longtime dream to take harp lessons, studying with Sara Watson. Elizabeth plays softball at GHS and also competes on the UIL Academic math teams. She is a member of National Honor Society as well as the math and Spanish honor societies. In her free time, she enjoys needlework and Legos and always looks forward to summer vacations when she and her family travel to national parks throughout the United States. Elizabeth is excited to have the opportunity to play with CTPYO this year.
Anna Lemons
Runner Up
Anna Lemons is a clarinet player from Round Rock, TX, and a member of the Round Rock High School varsity marching band and Wind Ensemble.
Arjun Rajamony
Honorable Mention
Arjun Rajamony is a Junior in High School; in addition to playing the violin, Arjun is passionate about backpacking, rucking, and flint knapping, and he is also very knowledgeable about the Star Wars universe.