At PRIZM Ensemble, we’re blessed to have alumni that continue to remain active in the Memphis music community and beyond. We love any chance we get to brag about them, which is why we created our Alumni Spotlight series. Today, we’re featuring Yvonne Bengco!

Yvonne first enrolled in the PRIZM Summer Camp and International Music Festival in 2018 as a college student. During the festival, she participated in a number of chamber ensembles, from a horn duet to a challenging dectet arrangement, playing alongside her peers and instructors. 

“PRIZM opened doors to experiences I never had before attending the festival,” the French horn player said. “I didn’t have much chamber music experience prior. Chamber music is where you really learn how to be a musician because each player has the opportunity to make decisions for their part and with the group, rather than a conductor directing. PRIZM helped me gain more confidence as a musician because I was given the freedom to be a voice and leader within the ensemble.”

A junior at the University of Memphis, Yvonne majors in music education with an instrumental concentration. She studies under Dan Phillips and has participated in the university’s orchestra, wind ensemble, symphonic band and marching band. In her free time, she teaches horn lessons, including high school band camps in the summer.

When asked how PRIZM has impacted her, Yvonne said, “Because of PRIZM, I’ve been able to work with outstanding horn players who always uplift and encourage me to be a better musician and person. I’ve experienced different teaching methods and networking opportunities, which are important in the music world. I’m extremely grateful to PRIZM and its amazing faculty.”