Gus served as Principal 2nd Violin, leading the section under the direction of guest conductor Mrs. Sarah Ball. The All-State Orchestra brings together Michigan's finest string musicians for an intensive rehearsal experience culminating in a featured performance at the annual Michigan Music Conference.

2026 MSBOA All-State Guest Conductors

2026 MSBOA All-State Ensemble Rosters

Since joining Oakland Youth Orchestras (OYO) in 2021, Gus has advanced through the organization's ensembles by annual audition, progressing from the Studio String Orchestra to the String Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra. Along the way, he has earned leadership positions within each ensemble and has participated in solo, chamber, and orchestral performance.

Ensemble Advancement

• 2021–2023 – Studio String Orchestra, Third Violin → First Violin (Conductor: Mr. Karpinsky)
• 2023–2025 – String Orchestra, Third Violin → First Violin (Conductor: Mr. Kennedy)
• 2025–2026 – Philharmonic Orchestra, Second Violin → First Violin (Conductor: Ms. Stuart)

Leadership Appointments

• 2023 – Concert Master, Studio String Orchestra (Season Finale Concert)
• 2023–2024 – Principal Third Violin, String Orchestra
• 2025–2026 – Principal Second Violin, Philharmonic Orchestra (Season Finale Concert)

Chamber Music

• 2025–2026 – Participated in the OYO Chamber Music Ensemble.

Solo Competition

• 2023 – First Place, Studio String Orchestra Solo Competition.
• 2024 – Third Place, String Orchestra Solo Competition.
• 2025 – Honorable Mention, String Orchestra Solo Competition.

Oakland Youth Orchestras (OYO)

Through annual placement auditions, Gus advanced from the Philharmonic Orchestra under Alison Roads (2022–2024) to the Symphony Orchestra under Merlyn Beard (2024–2026). Throughout his time with OHMI, he has been seated in the First Violin section, performing increasingly challenging orchestral repertoire while continuing to strengthen his ensemble musicianship and leadership.

Oakland Homeschool Music (OHMI), a nonprofit music education program serving students throughout Southeast Michigan. OHMI provides comprehensive instruction in music theory, history, and ensemble performance through orchestras, bands, choirs, and classroom music, preparing students for lifelong musical participation and advanced study.

Oakland Homeschool Music (OHMI)

Gus joined the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony (DMYS) in August 2024 after a successful audition for the String Orchestra under the direction of Geoffrey (Jeff) Benes. Beginning the 2024–2025 season as Principal Second Violin, Gus advanced to Assistant Concertmaster for the opening concert of the 2025–2026 season and served as Concertmaster for the final two concerts of the season.

Leadership Appointments

• 2024–2025 – Principal 2nd Violin
• 2025–2026 – Assistant Concert Master (Season Opening Concert)
• 2025–2026 – Concert Master (Final Two Concerts)

Awards & Recognition

• 2025 – Director's Award, presented by Geoffrey Benes in recognition of outstanding dedication, leadership, and musicianship during the 2024–2025 season.
• 2026 – Outstanding Musicianship Award, presented at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season in recognition of exceptional musical achievement and contribution to the orchestra.

DMYS is one of Michigan's longest-running youth orchestra organizations, providing advanced ensemble training for students from across metropolitan Detroit through weekly rehearsals, sectional coaching, and public performances.

Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony (DMYS)

Gus joined the Oxford Middle School 8th Grade Orchestra in September 2025 under the direction of Mr. James Berezney. During the 2025–2026 school year, he performed in four school concerts while expanding his experience as an orchestral musician through a comprehensive performance program.

As a member of the orchestra, Gus participated in Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Festival. He aslo attended the Music Intensive Clinic hosted by Central Michigan University, where he worked with university faculty and guest clinicians. He also performed with the Oxford Middle School Honors Orchestra, participating in community outreach concerts and special events organized by Mr. Berezney that brought music to local audiences.

Through the Oxford Middle School Orchestra program, Gus strengthened his ensemble skills, musical leadership, and performance experience while representing his school in festivals, honor ensembles, educational clinics, and community performances. Mr. Berezney's program emphasizes musical excellence, community engagement, and opportunities beyond the classroom, including Honors Orchestra, MSBOA events, and performances throughout the Oxford community.

Mr. James Berezney

In the summer of 2026, Gus auditioned for Nick Karpinsky and was selected to perform violin in the pit orchestra for the Rochester Community Schools Summer Music Theatre production of Disney's Frozen Jr. Building on his first pit orchestra experience, Gus has enjoyed collaborating with talented musicians, actors, and directors while performing one of Disney's most beloved musicals. The experience has strengthened his confidence as a pit musician and sparked an even greater enthusiasm for musical theatre.

The Pit Orchestra

RCS Be Inspired, Episode 7, Summer Music Theatre 2026

In the summer of 2025, Gus performed as a violinist in the pit orchestra for Oakland Homeschool Music's production of Les Misérables – School Edition under the musical direction of Merlyn Beard. The production was presented at the Oxford High School Performing Arts Center over three performances in July 2025.

As his first full-length musical theatre production, Les Misérables introduced Gus to the unique demands of pit orchestra performance, including close collaboration with the conductor, cast, and production team. Performing the acclaimed score by Claude-Michel Schönberg strengthened his sight-reading, ensemble awareness, rhythmic precision, and ability to adapt to the timing and pacing of live theatre.

Gus and his brother, Ziggy, regularly provide special music during worship services at The Village Church of Ortonville, performing a variety of sacred and classical selections for the congregation. Their ongoing participation has strengthened their confidence as performers while allowing them to share their musical gifts in support of worship and the local community. Worship services featuring their performances are available on the church's YouTube channel.

The Village Church of Ortonville

As part of Oakland Youth Orchestras' Community Outreach program, Gus was invited to perform as a featured soloist at a senior living community in Rochester, Michigan. Organized through OYO's Community Outreach initiative under Executive Director Nicole Shogren, the recital provided students with the opportunity to share live classical music with local residents. Gus performed Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto in A Minor, the work that earned him Third Place in the 2024 OYO Solo Competition.

As part of Oakland Youth Orchestras' Community Outreach program, Gus performed as a featured soloist at a senior living community in Rochester, Michigan. Organized by OYO Executive Director Joanne Walle, the outreach recital provided students with the opportunity to share music beyond the concert hall. Gus performed Ferdinand Küchler's Concertino in D Major, Op. 15, the work that earned him First Place in the 2023 Studio String Orchestra Solo Competition, bringing classical music to members of the local community.

During the summer of 2026, Gus returned to Adventures in Chamber Music (ACM) for a fourth season of intensive chamber music study. Guided by the vision and dedication of Marla Smith and Connie Markwick, the program provided an inspiring environment where young musicians collaborated, refined their ensemble skills, and learned from outstanding chamber music coaches.

Building on his previous ACM experience, Gus expanded his chamber repertoire while performing in both violin trios and a string quintet, strengthening his musical leadership, communication, and collaborative musicianship.

Adventures in Chamber Music has played an important role in Gus' musical development. Under the leadership of Marla Smith and Connie Markwick, the program provides a welcoming yet challenging environment where young musicians build lasting friendships, receive exceptional coaching, and develop the collaborative musicianship that lies at the heart of chamber music.

Learn more about Adventures in Chamber Music.

During the 2025–2026 season, Gus was selected to participate in the Oakland Youth Orchestras Chamber Music Program, where he performed in a small string ensemble under the coaching of Željko Milićević.

Working in a chamber ensemble provided Gus with the opportunity to develop advanced listening skills, musical communication, and artistic collaboration without the guidance of a conductor. For the ensemble's culminating performance on February 1, 2026, Gus served as Principal Violin, leading the ensemble in performances of Antonio Vivaldi's Sinfonia "Alla Rustica" and Sinfonia No. 3 in G Major.

Through this experience, Gus strengthened his leadership, ensemble awareness, and interpretive musicianship while exploring the rich tradition of Baroque chamber music.

During the summer of 2025, Gus participated in Adventures in Chamber Music (ACM), an intensive chamber music program that brings together young string musicians to develop collaborative performance skills through small ensemble coaching and public performance.

Throughout the program, Gus performed in both violin quartets and violin trios, developing the musical independence, communication, and ensemble awareness that are central to chamber music. His repertoire included works by Ignaz Lachner, Charles Dancla, and Henk Badings.

Through this program, Gus strengthened his chamber music skills by performing across multiple violin parts, gaining experience in both melodic and accompanying roles while collaborating closely with fellow musicians.

Returning to Adventures in Chamber Music for a second summer, Gus continued to build his chamber music skills through coached small ensembles and public performance. Under the leadership of Marla Smith and Connie Markwick, he refined his collaborative musicianship, developed greater musical independence, and strengthened the listening and communication skills that are essential to successful chamber performance.

During his first summer at Adventures in Chamber Music's Two-Week Intensive Chamber Program, Gus was introduced to the unique challenges and rewards of chamber music. He developed foundational skills in ensemble balance, communication, intonation, and musical interpretation through coached small-ensemble rehearsals and public performance.

1st Place Winner!

(OYO) Studio String Orchestra Solo Competition — 2023

Selected as the First Place winner of the OYO Studio String Orchestra Solo Competition. Performed as the featured violin soloist at the Oakland Youth Orchestras Fall Concert on November 16, 2023, at the Oxford Performing Arts Center.

Gus performed Ferdinand Küchler's Concertino in D Major, 3rd Movement ("Allegro Assai")  with piano accompaniment.

The 2025 CMU Honors String Orchestra was held on September 19, 2025 and included 285 students from across Michigan, divided into five orchestras. Organized by Dr. Keith Dodson, CMU's Director of Orchestral Studies

Gus was selected to participate in the Central Michigan University Honors String Orchestra, a statewide honors festival for accomplished string students in grades 8–12. Following a successful audition using Friedrich Seitz's Concerto No. 3 in G Minor, Op. 12 (First Movement), he joined talented young musicians from across Michigan for a day of intensive rehearsals, sectionals, faculty-led instruction, and a culminating public performance.

CMU Honors String Orchestra 2026

In the summer of 2021, Gus participated in Interlochen Online's Music Exploration program, where he explored a broad range of musical topics while developing his musicianship through instruction from Interlochen's distinguished faculty. The experience introduced him to one of the nation's premier arts institutions and encouraged his continued growth and enthusiasm for music.

Judith Teasdale, an accomplished performer and educator with extensive experience as an orchestral musician and university-level instructor. Under Ms. Teasdale's mentorship, Gus has refined his technical proficiency, musical interpretation, audition preparation, and solo performance skills. Her guidance has contributed significantly to his accomplishments, including selection to the MSBOA All-State Orchestra, success in solo competitions, and continued artistic growth as a violinist. 

Judith Teasdle – Violin Instructor

Judith Teasdle is a professional violinist, orchestral musician, and educator from Detroit, Michigan. She is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, earned her Bachelor of Music from Oakland University, and completed a Master of Music in Violin Performance at Michigan State University, where she studied with renowned violin pedagogue Walter Verdehr.

She has performed with many of Michigan's leading professional ensembles, including the:

• Flint Symphony Orchestra
• Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
• Lansing Symphony Orchestra
• Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra
• Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra

Her recording credits include collaborations with Aretha Franklin, Kem, Shaun Martin, and American Idol finalist Jena Irene, and she has shared the stage with artists including Victor Borge, Sarah Brightman, Dave Brubeck, Glen Campbell, Disturbed, Robert Goulet, Richard Marx, The Moody Blues, and The Who.

Gus began private violin study in 2015 with Andrew d'Allemand at Suzuki Royal Oak (now Suzuki Music Academy of Michigan). Through individualized Suzuki Method instruction, group classes, recitals, and ensemble performances, he established a strong technical and musical foundation that supported his continued development as a violinist and prepared him for advanced youth orchestra, solo, and All-State performance opportunities.

Andrew d’Allemand

Gus began violin studies through the Suzuki Method at Suzuki Royal Oak, now known as the Suzuki Music Academy of Michigan. He received private violin instruction from Mark Mutter and Andrew D'Almond, developing a strong technical and musical foundation through individualized lessons, group classes, and regular studio performances. This early training established the fundamentals that supported later success in regional and statewide youth orchestra and solo performance opportunities.

Suzuki Music Academy of Michigan