ACO SCHOLARSHIPS

Ryan Packard – 2023 Marion Fritz Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Ryan started playing viola in fifth grade and joined Auburn Chamber Orchestra as an eighth grader. Throughout his high school years, Ryan has played with Auburn High School orchestra, Syracuse Young Artist Orchestra and Area All-State orchestra. As a high school senior, he qualified as an All-State alternate violist. In his junior year, Ryan played in the pit orchestra for the high school musical. He takes private viola lessons from Judy Hershberger.

Ryan has many musical talents and interests. In addition to playing viola, he has participated in Auburn High School marching band since eighth grade and was drum major in the fall of 2022. This school year he is playing bass in the high school jazz band and played trumpet in previous years. In the fall, Ryan will be attending SUNY Fredonia with a dual major in music education and performance.

Ryan has played in the viola section of the orchestra since 2018.  It gives us great pleasure to announce that Ryan is the recipient of the Marion Fritz Memorial Scholarship. Best wishes for a rewarding career in music!

Graduating high school musicians who have played at least 3 years in ACO and who will be continuing their education after graduation are eligible to receive a scholarship from ACO. 

The following talented and dedicated ACO student musicians have received ACO scholarships in the past:

  • Emma Tidd (2020), violin. Clarkson University (education and management)
  • Brianna Packard (2020), viola. Onondaga Community College (music education)
  • Patrick Connelly (2020), cello. Cornell University (chemistry and music)
  • Meghan Smith (2018), violin. Onondaga Community College (music education)
  • Rose Morabito (2017), violin. SUNY Geneseo (early childhood education)
  • Sheelan Mirza (2017), violin. New York University (pre-med)
  • Lydia Marteney (2017), violin. Hartwick College (anthropology, accounting, business admin)
  • Jessi Menotti (2017), percussion. Nazareth College (music therapy)
  • Chris Holmes (2017), cello. Onondaga Community College (music)
  • Haley Hofmann (2017), violin. Liberty University (journalism)
  • Sam Hensel (2016), viola. SUNY Fredonia (music)
  • Jimmy Dranscak (2016), violin. SUNY Fredonia (music).  Currently at Julliard
  • Zane Carnes (2016), bass. Ithaca College (music performance)
  • Shadman Mirza (2013), cello. Syracuse University School of Music (music)
  • Rebekah Ortquist (2009), violin. Grove City College (music)
  • Nicholas Hrynyk (2009), piano. Eastman School of Music (music)
  • Kristopher Kooi (2007), bass. Cornell University (music performance and composition)