Celebrating the Class of 2026
We are proud to celebrate this year's graduating seniors and recognize all they have accomplished during their time with YAMA. Through years of rehearsals, performances, field trips, and countless hours of practice, they have grown into talented musicians and remarkable young adults. At YAMA, we strive to create meaningful experiences both on and off the stage, and we're honored to have been a small part of each of their journeys. We can't wait to see what comes next for this year's graduates!
We asked some of these incredible seniors about their favorite YAMA memory:
Giselle, violin — 4 YAMA years
Next Steps: Attend Gonzaga University and study Mechanical Engineering
Favorite YAMA Memory:
“One of my favorite YAMA memories is when we went to Benaroya Hall and performed on the same stage both with and without the Seattle Symphony in my sophomore year of high school. The trip meant the most to me because of how awesome the opportunity was and how it let me explore one of my favorite cities in Washington. This trip was ultimately what I ended up writing my college personal statement on, which landed me at Gonzaga!
Being in Seattle with the YAMA community truly left a mark on me that I can't change. It allowed me to explore my surroundings on my own with the help of mentors leading the way. It connected me with other students and helped me see that I want to keep orchestra in my life after graduating high school. Without that trip and the opportunities YAMA has offered and provided me, I would honestly not have been the person I am today. This is an experience I will take with me as I head into university to continue studying the violin.”
Anahy, cello — 2 YAMA years
Next Steps: Attend the University of Washington and study Orthodontics.
Favorite YAMA Memory:
“My favorite YAMA memory was the camping field trip last spring where we performed at the Maryhill Museum and camped at Maryhill State Park. I had a lot of fun on the bus ride with my friends, playing Uno and talking together. I also enjoyed visiting the planetarium in Goldendale. Overall, it was a really fun trip and one of my favorite experiences with YAMA.”
Ferrin, bass — 1 YAMA year
Next Steps: Complete his associate degree and explore career options.
Favorite YAMA Memory:
“My favorite YAMA memory was probably the speech Mr. Whitecotton gave me at the end of the year. It was really thoughtful and well-written. It meant a lot to me, and combined with the senior gifts, really reminded me that the YAMA staff cares about us as musicians and as individuals.”