LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Youth Orchestra (CCYO) honored nine graduating seniors at its concert on May 19, 2025, recognizing their musical contributions and future aspirations. The seniors—Aubrey Carignan, Erich Donnelly, Rene Dorelus, Leila Gonzalez, Tobi Martinez, Pri Martinez, Lainey Mullikin, Mariele Salinas, and Alicia Warren—were celebrated for their dedication to the orchestra and their diverse academic and professional plans.
Aubrey Carignan, a French hornist, will study Music Therapy with a Special Education minor at Slippery Rock University, joining the marching band. Erich Donnelly, a trombonist, will attend St. Mary’s College of Maryland in the Integrated Performing Arts program and play in the jazz band. “My time with CCYO has been useful in giving me the experience of playing in an orchestral setting, as most of my experience is from a concert band / jazz background,” Donnelly said. CCYO also thanked him for serving as the concert recording engineer.
Rene Dorelus, a bassist, will major in psychology with a business concentration at Albright College, continuing wrestling and hoping to join the orchestra. Leila Gonzalez, an oboist, will study Biology and minor in Oboe Performance at the University of Maryland, College Park, aiming to join ensembles like the Pit Orchestra. “I really learned a lot during my time with CCYO, and I’m incredibly grateful for the wide range of musical genres I was exposed to,” Gonzalez said, noting how the experience broadened her musical skills.
Tobi Martinez, a violist, will major in Accounting at Towson University, having earned an Associate degree in Business Management from the College of Southern Maryland (CSM). Pri Martinez, a violinist, will continue at CSM in the Pharmacy Technician program. Lainey Mullikin, a clarinetist, will double major in history and legal studies at Susquehanna University, planning to join the Concert Band. Mariele Salinas, a violinist, will attend CSM before joining the Air Force National Guard. “My time with CCYO has been very special, from all the years I spent, growing from Prelude Strings to Encore Strings, then eventually to CCYO,” Salinas said.
Alicia Warren, a violinist, will study graphic design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. “I have genuinely enjoyed my time in CCYO. In the beginning it all felt very ambitious and intimidating and it still is in some aspects, but that standard made me a better player,” Warren said. Dr. Osman Kivrak, CCYO Director, praised the seniors’ hard work. “I am excited to see that the success of our graduating seniors demonstrates the importance of practicing, hard work, and good study habits,” Kivrak said. “I am enormously proud of all of them and wish them a successful and exciting journey in the next part of their educational lives.”
CCYO invites new members to audition for the next season on September 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Christ Church, La Plata. All instruments except piano are welcome, with details at https://www.charlescountyyouthorchestra.org/auditions. Upcoming free concerts include ArtsFest on June 14 at Indian Head Village Green, the Annual Concerto Competition Concert on June 21 at Christ Church, an Independence Day/Alumni Reunion Concert on June 28 at Alice Ferguson Foundation, and the CCYO Chamber Music Festival on July 19, 20, 26, and 27 at Christ Church.
The seniors’ achievements reflect CCYO’s role in fostering musical and personal growth. The orchestra, based in Charles County, provides young musicians with opportunities to perform diverse repertoires, from classical to contemporary, preparing them for collegiate and professional pursuits. The May 19 concert showcased their talents, marking a milestone in their CCYO journey.
