2020 Award: 2019-20 Merwin Scholarship Award
Major: Music Performance (Violin), Economics
Minor: General Business, Conducting
Hometown: Portland, OR
Extracurricular activities: Private Violin Teacher at Classical Christian Academy, High school mentor at Rogers High School through Gonzaga’s Center for Community Engagement, Concertmaster for the Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra, Substitute First Violin for Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra
More about Rylan
Future Plans:
I am currently in the process of applying to various graduate programs in hopes of studying orchestral conducting. This is to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a conductor for a youth symphony, specifically my alumni, the Metropolitan Youth Symphony in Portland, Oregon.
How has your major contributed to your professional or personal development?
Being a double major has contributed greatly to my time management skills. Additionally, the professors that I have been fortunate enough to work with over the years, specifically in my music courses, have helped me develop as both a musician and a person. I feel as though I have had professors offer opportunities to establish confidence in my own abilities, and as a result, I feel ready to take my next step developing myself in the professional world.
What has been your proudest or most significant accomplishment during your Gonzaga career?
This has to be soloing with the Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra. In particular, it felt special sharing this moment with my family and friends, as the entire event was a byproduct of their unwavering support and belief in me.