Young Artist Program

The YAP Fellows, in the horizontal portrait strip above, are pictured left to right.
We thank the sponsors and co-sponsors of the students and directors listed below each name.
If education is your passion, please consider the sponsorships still available below:

Joseph McQuaid, violin [16, Liberal Arts & Science Academy, Austin; Jessica Mathaes, private teacher] 
— Sponsor: Dr. Jan Garverick
Having just moved to Texas last year, I am now a sophomore at LASA. I started learning the violin at six years old. I turned sixteen this year and my violin turned 269 years old. Speaking of old things, turtles will always be my first pick for favorite animals, but platypuses are heavily underrated.

Elizabeth Yao, violin [16, BASIS San Antonio • Laura Scalzo, private teacher; Mariae Rodriguez, orchestra director]
— Sponsor: Dr. Jan Garverick

My name is Elizabeth Yao and I’m a sophomore at BASIS Shavano. I started playing violin when I was 5, and music has been a huge part of my life ever since. When I’m not practicing, and when school isn’t throwing homework at me, I love to play with my dog and watch sitcoms!

Jadyn Dvořák, viola [18, Harlan HS; Matthew Saltibus, orchestra director]
— Co-Sponsor: Dr. John Hudson
— Co-Sponsor: $1,250 sponsorship available for your generous support

Hi, I’m Jadyn Dvořák! I’m 18 years old and the viola is my primary instrument. I enjoy practicing (crazy, I know), baking, and nature. My future plans include attending UTSA this fall as a music major with a composition emphasis.

Natalie Hinojosa, viola [16, Reagan HS • Emily Freudigman, private teacher; Sixto Elizondo, orchestra director]
— Sponsor: $2,500 sponsorship available for your generous support

Hey! I’m Natalia Hinojosa and I am currently 16 years old and play the viola in the Reagan High School Varsity Orchestra! Out of all composers there are/were in the world, my favorite would have to be Mendelssohn! Beyond music, I find joy in traveling, baking, and spending time with my friends!

Kade Stratton, cello [15, Pieper HS • Kenneth Freudigman, private teacher; Richard Helsley, orchestra director]
— Sponsor: Charles Bender—in memory of Kay Kutchins & Diane Windeler

Hello! I’m Kade Stratton and a Freshman at Pieper High School. I started playing cello October of 6th grade and ever since I’ve been in love with music, especially the Romantic Era. When I’m not playing cello, I’m either at Wrestling practice or watching The Office. My goal is to continue my music education after high school and play cello professionally.

Kaeden Taylor, cello [18, Byron P. Steele II HS • Ignacio Gallego, private teacher; Andrew Sutton, orchestra director]
— Sponsor: Wilbur & Bunny Matthews

Turning 18 this July, I am excited to continue my education in music and Spanish at Texas State University this fall. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, sewing, and going to the river. My favorite composers are Sibelius and Mahler.

Mia Rodriguez, flute [17, Byron P. Steele II HS • Steven Deater & Andrew Sutton, orchestra directors]
Sponsor: Charles Bender—in memory of Kay Kutchins & Diane Windeles

At 17, I am self-taught on flute and piccolo, striving to showcase my ambition and dedication for music, even earning a seat in one of this year’s all-state orchestras. My passion drives me to create uplifting environments through my music, leaving a lasting positive impact wherever I perform. When I'm not performing or in group rehearsals, you can find me serenading my biggest fan during long practice sessions—my dog.

Sophia Balmer, voice [18, Texas Connections Academy • Crystal Jarrell-Johnson, private teacher;
Carolyn Cruse, CCSA director]

Sponsor: Anonymous—in honor of the Tatum family

I have just graduated with honors from an online academy, with plans to attend a four-year university in pursuit of a Vocal Performance degree. With this, I hope to perform professionally in choirs, opera houses, national tours, etc. My passion is performing and I am grateful for this opportunity to perform with other talented young artists! 

Charles Serrano, voice & trumpet [18, C.T. “Lady Bird” Johnson HS • Forrest Spengler, private teacher;
Christie Brown, choral director; Karen George, orchestra director]
Sponsor: $3,000 sponsorship available for your generous support

From the strict rules of classical four-part writing to the lawlessness of jazz, the beauty of music has been an undeniably positive force in my life. Singing connects me with my emotions in a way nothing else can. Playing the trumpet opens my musical possibilities beyond that which can be sung. Music has played a role in my life that is unmatched by anything else. Except Chipotle.

YAP EDUCATION DIRECTOR CRAIG SORGI 
— Sponsor: TWO $2,500 sponsorships available for your generous support

YAP EDUCATION ASSISTANT KAREN STILES
— Sponsor: TWO $750 sponsorships available for your generous support

YAP APPLICATION FEE UNDERWRITER
— Sponsor: TWO $1,000 sponsorships available for your generous support

YAP TEACHER UNDERWRITER
— Sponsor: SIX $250 sponsorships available for your generous support

YAP ESSENTIALS UNDERWRITER (travel, gas, meals, music)
— Sponsor: FIVE $200 sponsorships available for your generous support

The program is based at CPMF’s San Antonio concert venue, University of the Incarnate Word. The Young Artists form an ensemble—and ensembles—to study and perform chamber music. The curriculum includes private instruction and chamber music coachings with Education Director Craig Sorgi, Assistant Director Karen Stiles, and Festival Artists, lecture classes on aspects of music performance/careers, as well as several community engagement concerts. The YAP-winners, who call their group Sonido Saguaro, will be presented in their own final concert on July 21, showcasing the exceptional work they put in over their 3 week tuition-free residency under the guidance of seasoned, world-class teaching.

See the YAP concert schedule at the bottom of this webpage.

To watch a video of our 2023 YAP Fellows in performance, click here.
From the YAP 2023 festival performance in concert.