National Repertory Orchestra

"NRO was a life-changing experience in my musical development! Playing so much repertoire so quickly with such a high level group was a fast tracked way to improving my orchestral playing, and I know it’s an experience I will carry with me through the rest of my career."

Marian Mayen, NRO clarinet fellow 

"The NRO has showed me what it’s like to be a professional musician, and it’s made me believe that I am capable of success in the world of classical music. Through my two summers here, I’ve become immersed in a warm and supportive community that has allowed me to grow and open up, both as a musician and as a person. Through my experience with community engagement, I can see the impact that music has on children and people of all ages and backgrounds, which has made my decision to pursue a career in music feel even more purposeful."

Solveig Geenen, NRO violin fellow & NRO Alumni String Quartet member 

"In the percussion world, the NRO is one of the most well-known festivals for offering rigorous professional experiences. Going through the program for the first time this summer, I can certainly testify to it. There is a shared sense of responsibility among fellows to make the best music possible, and my NRO experience has been a wake-up call about how to be a successful professional. The approach I acquired at the NRO to rehearsals and performances of any magnitude—always stay ahead, and don’t let anything slide—is something I will never forget in my future career. The NRO has opened up a lot of doors for me, and my experience this summer will help me get where I want to be in the future."

Edric Salazar, NRO percussion fellow 

"Coming to the NRO for the first time this summer, I had an invaluable, life-changing experience that helped me further visualize my career in arts administration. My position was uniquely situated to act as a bridge between the organization and the community, allowing me to witness the impact of our music-making first-hand and learn stories of people from all walks of life—it was so fulfilling to see the audience smiling from ear to ear and kids dancing to the music. There is truly no place like the NRO: Fellows and the entire organization believe in the power of music to bring people together, and their passion for creating positive changes through music is simply infectious."

Megan Martin, NRO Community Engagement Fellow and Manager 

"The NRO has provided an invaluable experience that has helped me grow both as a musician and as a person. The fast-paced repertoire, the frequent concerts, and the opportunity to work with so many conductors across a wide range of music have all been incredibly inspiring. Beyond the music, connecting with fellow musicians and bonding with our host families made me feel part of a truly strong and supportive community that I’ll never forget. "

Naomi Fan, NRO violin fellow 

"The NRO was crucial to my musical career because it established strong friendships within the arts community. The world of the orchestral musician is small and the connections you make are important. With so many talented students at the NRO, I was bound to meet future leaders of our art. Also, the fast-paced nature of the festival's programming allowed me to get a sense of a professional orchestra's schedule. The amount of repertoire covered and the level at which the orchestra performed made for a challenging and enriching experience for me."

Miles Maner, NRO bassoon fellow 
Chicago Symphony Orchestra

"I worked at the NRO during my two years in graduate school at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music for Arts Administration. My experiences laid the groundwork for my fundraising career, leading me to be an executive director at two different orchestras. I look back at my time at the NRO with fondness - not only for the great concerts we performed but the audiences we cultivated and the number of familiar faces that I continue to see in orchestras around the nation."

Brandon VanWaeyenberghe, NRO development fellow 
Executive Director, Boise Philharmonic

"My musical career has been moving forward significantly since my time with the NRO. The music festival not only brought my playing to a higher level, but also fulfilled my dream of playing a solo performance when I won the concerto competition. This prepared me to win an international competition and perform as a soloist with a major American orchestra a year later. I received a lot from the NRO, and it made a big impact in my life."

Lin Ma, NRO clarinet fellow 
principal clarinet, National Symphony Orchestra

"My two years with the NRO were maybe the most eye-opening musical experiences I ever had. Playing with that level of committed, amazing musicians was a life-changing experience."

Richard Deane, NRO horn fellow 
principal horn, New York Philharmonic