john critelli, new york, new york usa

John Critelli is a 16-year-old composer and cellist from New York City, NY. He has studied cello at the School for Strings with Alex Croxton since he was four, and he has won numerous awards as a soloist and as part of a piano trio. Most recently, his trio was selected to play in The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Youth Musicians Program Regional Concert in March 2022. As both a soloist and ensemble member, John plays regular outreach concerts to help build community and alleviate the isolation of homebound individuals. John started composing when he was 11, beginning formal composition lessons with Steven Sacco in 2019. Since then, he has written works for cello, piano, orchestra, and more. John volunteers as a cello practice partner and music theory tutor for underserved children and enjoys playing basketball, chess, ping pong, and video games in his free time. John hopes to continue studying composition and cello performance in college.

Levi Rodriguez, san antonio, texas, usa

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Levi Rodriguez is a Jazz Pianist, Composer, Arranger, and Orchestrator from San Antonio, Texas, USA. He began his formal education in classical piano at 10 years old, and gained a serious interest in jazz piano throughout his time at W. H. Taft highschool, earning a selection as a TMEA Texas All-State Jazz pianist by his junior year.

Most recently, he has formed the 18-piece ensemble “Levi Rodriguez Big Band”, performing his original compositions and arrangements of standard jazz repertoire. In fall of 2022, he will be attending the New School of Jazz and Contemporary music and study towards a bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus on Jazz Piano performance.