Carlos Leon: “As an international student I am extremely grateful with the generous donors and the AVS because this is an opportunity I could not imagine to get in my own home country. The high quality instrument that they had lend me is going to help me develop my musicianship and technique, especially in a moment where I am transitioning from being an undergrad to being a young professional.”
Catherine Ziegler: Catherine Ziegler was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She began playing the viola in middle school, and grew her passion for music in the Tulsa Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Barthelmes Conservatory. Catherine has earned bachelor’s degrees in both Music and Sustainability Studies from the University of Florida, graduating with highest honors.
Catherine is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in viola performance at Louisiana State University under Dr. Kimberly Sparr. In 2023, Catherine’s paper, “The Cade Instrument Collection: Celebrating an Unloved Viola” received third prize in the American Viola Society Dalton Competition. Catherine also enjoys participating in summer music festivals and has attended Round Top Festival Institute, National Music Festival, Eastern Music Festival, and Killington Music Festival.
Gabriel Regojos: “I am extremely thankful to the AVS for this opportunity. This is my first experience playing a high-quality viola, a 1987 Coggin Viola, as most of my training has been on a factory-made instrument, and financial challenges have made it difficult for me to access a quality instrument. Having this viola encouraged me to explore more advanced repertoire and techniques. Its responsiveness allowed me to play with greater ease and confidence, making practice and performance far more enjoyable.”
Nayyirah Wood: “I’ve had my viola for a few years now, and it has truly become an extension of myself as a musician. Its warm, resonant tone has only deepened over time, and it continues to inspire me every time I play. With this viola, I’ve had the opportunity to perform in many concerts, operas and chamber ensembles but what stands out most are the solo recitals. Preparing and performing full solo programs has been both a challenge and a joy, and this viola has supported me every step of the way. Its responsiveness, depth of sound, and character have brought my interpretations to life and helped me connect deeply with my audience. From intimate chamber works to full recital halls, this viola has been my partner through it all. I’m so grateful for the growth it’s helped me achieve and the opportunities it’s opened up along the way.”
Nicole Herrera: “I am deeply grateful for the generous loan of this incredible viola. Its rich sound and exceptional quality greatly enhanced my performances, allowing me to express music with greater depth and artistry. This opportunity supported my growth as a violist and gave me the confidence to pursue challenging repertoire at a professional level. Thank you for making such an important impact on my career. Thank you AVS!”
Noah Kincaid: “For years I had been playing on an instrument that was hindering my growth. It was difficult to get a clear, resonant sound. Since receiving the instrument from AVS, I’ve found a new love for practicing and exploring what sounds the instrument can produce. Being able to play on an exceptional viola has given me the confidence I’ve needed to develop my sound and further my skills. Without the generous donors and AVS, being able to play on a high-quality instrument wouldn’t have been possible, and I am extremely grateful to be one of the recipients and I look forward to the opportunities that will come.”
Santiago Paez: “…Before your generous loan, I had been playing on a beginner-level rental that limited my musicality and exploration with the Viola. Scott Cao’s powerful tone and warm colors are all aspects that I have grown to love, and it has given me the ability to demonstrate and perform at a level that I could not perform at before. The instrument’s ease of sound production and versatility is unmatched. It has pushed me to explore the boundaries of the instrument, and its capabilities in many aspects like classical music, improv, jazz and many more genres of music. Scott Cao’s Viola and I have grown close together and shared many concerts together. It is an instrument that is vital to my growth as a musician because it allows me to continue my performances and gigs and has supported me financially by being able to demonstrate and deliver personal lessons to students. I am forever indebted to the AVS for their generous loan.”
