The Charles County Youth Orchestra celebrated six graduating seniors during its concert on Sunday, May 17, recognizing their contributions and wishing them well as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
The seniors — Safiyah de la Cruz, Anabelle Kijesky, Jonah Litten, Avelina Londres, Madeline Londres, and Aaliyah Underwood — were honored for their time with the program, which serves students from Charles, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Anne Arundel counties.
Safiyah de la Cruz, a violinist, will attend the College of Southern Maryland to study biomedical science while continuing violin lessons. She said her time in CCYO helped her grow both musically and personally. Anabelle Kijesky, a trumpeter, is currently dual-enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College and plans to pursue a degree in American Sign Language to English Interpretation.
Jonah Litten, a violist, will study mechanical engineering through a partnership between the College of Southern Maryland and the University of Maryland. He described playing in a full symphonic orchestra as an invaluable experience that pushed him to improve his musicianship.
Sisters Avelina and Madeline Londres will both attend the Maryland Institute College of Art this fall. Avelina plans to major in Graphic Design, while Madeline, the 2025 CCYO Concerto Competition winner, will study Animation. Both credited the orchestra with helping them grow as musicians and connect with peers from different schools and counties.
Aaliyah Underwood, a violist, will attend Spelman College to study Art and Finance. She said CCYO helped her gain confidence in her abilities and improve her skills, and she plans to audition for the Atlanta University Center Orchestra this summer.
Dr. Osman Kivrak, Director of the Charles County Youth Orchestra, praised the seniors for demonstrating the value of practice, discipline, and consistent effort. He said he was proud of their accomplishments and wished them success in their future endeavors.
CCYO operates four ensembles for students at different skill levels and provides performance opportunities throughout the year. The program has received recognition in recent years, including features by the Charles County Arts Alliance and WTOP radio, and two of its string quartets were finalists in a Washington Performing Arts chamber music competition.
Upcoming events include performances at ArtsFest on June 13, the annual Concerto Competition Concert, an Independence Day/Alumni Reunion Concert, and the CCYO Chamber Music Festival in July. Auditions for the next season are scheduled for September 12 at Christ Church in La Plata.
Youth orchestra programs like CCYO play an important role in providing young musicians with ensemble experience, performance opportunities, and connections with peers across the region. For many students, participation helps develop discipline, teamwork, and artistic growth that extends beyond high school.
