Representing the United States, Rohun Rajpal will perform violin alongside other accomplished young instrumentalists this summer as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of the United States.

The National Youth Orchestra (NYO-USA) is a program for 16-19 year old orchestral players. Every summer the orchestra, with the guidance of the exceptional faculty, perform in Carnegie Hall and take a tour of many music capitals in the world. The performers act as musical ambassadors who represent their country.

Senior Rohun Rajpal began his music career at a young age. He spent 11 years growing as a musician at the Hoff-Barthelson Music School in Scarsdale, with his teacher, Mr. Mark Kushnir. Since joining the Hackley community in sixth grade, Rohun has been an active member of the school’s performing arts department. Rohun cited the influence of the head of the strings program at Hackley, Dr. Lauren Rigby, who  “has been absolutely incredible and has supported and guided me all the way”.

Along with the heavy workload of college applications, senior Rohun Rajpal prepared his audition for the NYO-USA. The rigorous audition process consisted of multiple video recordings, an essay, and two-three recommendation letters from teachers and/or conductors. Rohun sent 5 orchestral excerpts as well as an excerpt of a solo performance. He then wrote an essay about both his musical and educational background, his goals, and what he hoped to gain as a part of the NYO-USA. Finally, he recorded an video where he spoke about his most memorable music experience.

“I ended up recording my audition pieces multiple times until I had takes that I was satisfied with and felt comfortable sending for evaluation by NYO’s exacting jury,” Rohun said.

From spring break until the end of school, Rohun will be intensely preparing all of the pieces, including work by Sibelius, Gershwin, and a special piece commissioned specifically for the 2018 NYO-USA orchestra. The Carnegie Hall faculty will be guiding Rohun along with the other talented musicians through the training process.

“I am eagerly looking forward to the invaluable input and suggestions from the outstanding faculty that Carnegie Hall has gathered from many of the leading professional orchestras in the US to train us at Purchase College in NY during the three-week Training Residency,” he said.

Rohun’s hard work will pay off during his three performances. On July 7, a performance combined with a younger orchestra and local NYC musicians will be held. On July 15, they will play chamber music alongside the musicians of the Caramoor Center for the Music and the Arts, and finally on July 19, the orchestra will perform at Carnegie Hall, which will be broadcasted worldwide through Carnegie Hall Live.

After the performances, the excitement certainly picks up. The end of the July performances launches the two-week tour of Asia, which includes performances in famous concert halls in Taipei, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, and Daejeon. The NYO-USA will get the chance to perform with other youth orchestras while sporting red, white, and blue concert attire to represent the United States flag.

“It will be so wonderful to connect with audiences and youth from other countries through the common language of music which serves as a bridge between the different cultures!” Rohun exclaimed.

Rohun has performed at Carnegie Hall three times, taken part in the NYSSMA Conference All State Orchestra, and the HBMS Festival Orchestra. Though he is used to orchestral performances he is experiencing it at a much higher level this summer.

“I have never gotten an opportunity to go on a concert tour in a different continent with a group of youth musicians from different states in the US, and I am extremely excited about and grateful for this incredible opportunity.”