PRIZM Ensemble alumni members were invited to perform for Memphis Symphony Orchestra audience members last month. Jerald Walker, Dylan Willis and Micah Watkins formed a strings trio to entertain guests as they arrived at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts and Germantown Performing Arts Center prior to MSO’s January concerts.

The performance was part of MSO’s Overture Series, which hosts student ensembles to perform in the lobby as an overture to MSO concerts. Thetrio played a range of compositions, from Johann Strauss’ Viennese waltzes to Scott Joplin’s turn-of-the-century ragtime pieces. They also had the opportunity to meet classical concert pianist Awadagin Pratt, who was the featured soloist in MSO’s concert that weekend.

The alumni members are longtime students of PRIZM Ensemble, participating in our annual summer camp and festival for the past several years. Jerald, on violin, is a sophomore at the University of Memphis where he majors in music. He is also passionate about composing and conducting. Dylan, on viola, is a senior at White Station High School, and Micah, on the cello, is a sophomore at Hutchison School.

We’re grateful to have the three continue to share their gifts of music with the Memphis community. And thank you to the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for providing them the opportunity to do so!

Pictured left to right: Cathal Breslin, piano professor and head of keyboard at the University ofMemphis; Sabrina Hu, PRIZM director of operations and educational programming; Dylan; Awadagin; Dan Baker, PRIZM board member; Jerald; Abby Baker, PRIZM board member; and Lyndsey Baker, PRIZM alumna.