HochStories

Acclaimed musician David Ying – cellist with the Grammy Award-winning Ying Quartet and faculty member at the Eastman School of Music – gave a masterclass at Hochstein in February for students in the Chamber Music Connection (CMC) program.

The Hochstein School is honored to be the recipient of one of the 2023 RPO Music Educators’ Awards! A committee of RPO musicians and community educators selected the recipients and the awards were presented on March 16 by RPO Music Director Andreas Delfs and musician representatives Andrew Brown and Willa Finck. Hochstein President & Executive Director Hilary Respass and Peggy Quackenbush accepted the award on behalf of Hochstein.

On March 4, two Hochstein alums marched forth on a new adventure. Friends since they were in the Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra together, Jake Kinney (trumpet) and Sophie Wiltse (violin) are through-hiking the Appalachian Trail!

On Sunday, February 26, as part of the “Show for Joe” DVD release event at the Little Theatre, Rochester musician John Dady welcomed Hochstein President & Executive Director Hilary Respass to the stage to share updates about the Joe Dady Memorial Scholarship Fund at Hochstein. 

It’s National “Love Your Pet Day,” so we asked Hochstein faculty and staff to send in photos of themselves and their companion animals. Lots of cats, dogs, and even chickens and a horse! Read more to see pictures of our people and their pets with captions for who is in each picture. 

It was great to have so many former Hochstein students return to Rochester for a special concert by the Hochstein Alumni Orchestra on Friday, January 6! The musicians had two rehearsals during the week to prepare for the concert, which usually takes place during winter break. Read on for more stories of alumni who participated, and to see photos from the concert.

From the beat of dance classes directly above my office, to the smiles and giggles of toddlers after a Music FUNdamentals class, to the gorgeous sounds coming from rehearsals, coachings, and lessons throughout our buildings – every sound is precious and energizing. But the magic isn’t just inside these walls! ...

We’re excited to share the story of a Hochstein student who took on the task of learning something completely new later in life. Paul Kane started taking Hochstein’s Piano 101 Class when he was in his 50s, with no prior musical training, and has continued with piano lessons with Dr. Yi-Wen Chang. He is now in his ninth year of studies at Hochstein. Read more and watch a video...

​​​​​​​Hochstein student Olivia Eloi-Evans, a 5th grader in Brighton, has been taking violin lessons with Katie Worley since last spring. But one of her other interests is the theatre, which she has participated in since the age of 5. She has appeared in productions of "Annie," "The Wizard of Oz," "Mary Poppins," "Sleeping Beauty," and "The Sound of Music." She now has a new role – as the Ghost of Christmas Past in Geva Theatre Center’s ...

A Broadway actor, versatile performer, and teacher, Tamar Greene traces his roots back to his early years at The Hochstein School. Tamar first came to Hochstein when he was around 6 years old and took dance and piano lessons and sang in the children’s choir. Now, he plays the role of George Washington in the Broadway production of "Hamilton." Read more about his musical journey...