Senior Spotlight: Noah Portner, clarinet

What AYPO ensembles have you played in and for how long?

AYCO, AYSO, AYP, and Chamber ensembles! For the past five years

Your advice for young musicians?

Music is about people: Look around and get to know and connect with the people you make music with. It's a lot more fun this way!

What college/university do you plan on attending this fall?

Cornell University, Industry and Labor Relations

A funny, favorite, or memorable AYPO experience?

I had a piece written for A clarinet, and on the first note, I played as loud as I could on my Bb clarinet. It was very noticeable, my stand partner almost fell over laughing, . . .

What do you hope to do after graduation?

Travel as much as I can.

What musician, conductor, or orchestra inspires you and why?

Aside from my teacher Ms. Eichhorn, who is a fantastic musician and educator, I am inspired by all the students I have worked with in AYPO throughout my career. These are the best young musicians in a wide radius. I was lucky to be able to interact with them.