From BSYO to BSO
Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra alumni Hwanee Pak and Braden Vaughn recently performed alongside the BSO in the December Holiday Pops performances.
Every week, the Orchestra Personnel Office at the BSO contracts substitute musicians— talented, regional players— to add to the BSO ' s full-time tenure ranks either required by repertoire, or to fill vacancies by rotation or leave. In December 2025, a full circle moment happened: Two of our substitute musicians were BSYO alum!
WHAT DID IT FEEL LIKE TO JOIN THE BSO IN CONCERT?
At first, it was very nerve-wracking. I know the standard of playing in the BSO is one of the very best, so even small mistakes could be noticeable. Luckily, I knew many of the percussionists working in the back with me, especially Brian Prechtl, who coached me at the BSYO, and taught me private lessons in middle school. Brian gave me plenty of tips that helped me feel at ease, and after a bit, I felt more comfortable enjoying the music and fitting in with this fantastic ensemble. This experience was huge for my musical growth, and now I feel like I know what it takes to play at the highest levels. I’ ve reached a milestone in my musical career and played alongside my musical idols.
— BRADEN VAUGHN
IS THERE A BSO MUSICIAN WHO WAS A PARTICULAR MENTOR TO YOU?
Braden Vaughn( left) and Hwanee Pak( right)
HOW DOES BEING AN ALUMNI OF THE BSYO INSPIRE YOU AS A MUSICIAN?
I was in the BSYO from 2009-2018, starting when I was nine years old until I began college. Almost all of my first musical experiences were in that orchestra: My first time playing in a full orchestra, my first time meeting a member of the BSO, my first time realizing I wanted to pursue music as a career. To this day, I draw on a lot of the experiences I had in the BSYO because I learned everything I needed to know there.
My mentor, James Wyman, Principal Timpanist of the BSO, is someone who most inspired me during my studies. I first met him in a side-by-side rehearsal with the BSO, and he invited me to take some lessons with him. From the very first lesson, he set the bar high and pushed me to go beyond, not just being able to play notes, but to make real music. He is my biggest inspiration for wanting to become an orchestral musician, particularly a timpanist. I am currently studying with one of his former teachers, Mr. Paul Yancich, former Principal timpanist with The Cleveland Orchestra.
— HWANEE PAK
Hwanee Pak is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, and is currently pursuing his master’ s degree at The Cleveland Institute of Music. Braden Vaughn is a graduate of The Cleveland Institute of Music, and The Juilliard School, currently freelancing in New York City and Maryland.
— BRADEN VAUGHN
Being a member of the BSYO was an incredibly rewarding experience that taught me a wide range of skills, both musical and non-musical. I found a sense of belonging and community within that orchestra, which made me realize that my passion for music is not only fueled by the magnificent masterworks we perform, but by the camaraderie that comes from being part of such a group. I will always be thankful for my time with the BSYO!
— HWANEE PAK
Braden and Hwanee pictured alongside the Holiday Pops percussion section.
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