CCM students and alums recently win positions in orchestras, symphonies and bands

Auditioning for a professional ensemble can be a stressful experience. It often involves mastering or memorizing difficult repertoire, travel and multiple rounds of auditions and interviews — plus countless hours spent in practice rooms to rehearse. 

We celebrate the CCM stars who recently won positions with professional ensembles throughout the country! These students and recent graduates show a glimpse into the college's expanding network of professionals working and thriving in the performing arts landscape. 

• Jonathan Chiou (MM French Horn, ’23) – won the second horn position with Utah Symphony
• Sean Eberlin (DMA Euphonium, '23) - won a position with the US Navy Fleet Band
• Katie Frazier (BM Trumpet, ’23) – won a position with the 3rd Infantry Division Band
• Michelle Hembree (BM French Horn, ’19) – won the second horn position with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
• Donovan Klutho (MM Tuba, '23) - won a position with the US Navy Fleet Band
• Alex Lenhart (MM Trumpet, ’23) – won a position with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault Band)
• Daniel Mentzer (MM Tuba, '23) - won a position with the US Navy Band
• Joey Miller (current DMA Clarinet student) – won the third bass clarinet position with Chattanooga Symphony and a bass clarinet position with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra
• Laurenz Oriondo (current MM Tuba student) - won a position with the Air Force Ceremonial Brass
• Phillip Palmore (BM Horn, '20) - won a position with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra
• AJ Peoples (DMA Trumpet, att. ’22-'23) – won a position with the 3rd Infantry Division Band
• Taylor Shorey (current AD Bassoon student) – won the principal bassoon position with the Mississippi Symphony
• Vincenzo Volpe (DMA Flute, ’23) – won a position with the US Army Fife and Drum Corps 

Are you a CCM student or alum who recently won a professional ensemble position? Let us know and we'll add you to our list of CCM stars! Share your story. 

Want to know what's Next OnStage at CCM? Subscribe to our e-newsletter, shared every other Wednesday, to get the latest news from the college and performance updates. Our 2023-24 performance details will be announced later this summer. 

Featured image at the top: The CCM Wind Symphony performs at Corbett Auditorium. Photo by Mark Lyons.