Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra & Western Michigan University Announce 26/27 Artist Scholar Students
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and Western Michigan University (WMU) recently announced this season’s WMU Artist Scholars. These three WMU Irving S. Gilmore School of Music students have won auditions to perform with the Kalamazoo Symphony throughout the 26/27 season, gaining experience playing with a professional orchestra.
This season’s Scholars are:
Micah Hyink, Violin
Ian Berrington, Viola
Charlie Mueller, Cello
“The Kalamazoo Symphony’s Artist Scholar program provides a unique opportunity for WMU music students to perform alongside professional musicians. They will carry what they learn this season into every stage of their careers,” says Joanna Bosse, Director of the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music at Western Michigan University. “We are grateful to the Symphony for its continued investment in WMU students.”
By the end of the season, the Scholars will have performed on four of the Symphony’s Signature Series concerts.
Upcoming appearances include:
Brahms & Bronfman | Sat, Nov 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Miller Auditorium
Holst’s The Planets | Sat, Feb 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Miller Auditorium
About the Artist Scholar Program
Starting in 1991, the program has supported dozens of talented young musicians. The Artist Scholar program exemplifies the collaborative spirit and support for student development that both institutions share.
Following their audition for the WMU University Symphony Orchestra, select string section students are recommended by their professors for the Scholars program. These select students then audition with the Kalamazoo Symphony for a spot as an Artist Scholar, giving them valuable insight into a professional audition process.
“The Artist Scholar Program is a wonderful example of how music brings people together while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of musicians,” says Symphony President & CEO Amy Williams. “We’re proud to partner with Western Michigan University to give these talented students the opportunity to perform alongside professional musicians, grow their artistry, and experience firsthand what it means to be part of an orchestra. We look forward to welcoming Micah, Ian, and Charlie to the stage throughout the season.”
Artist Scholars participate in rehearsals for all their scheduled performances, working alongside Symphony musicians to learn, perform, and create music. Scholars are compensated for their time just like any fully contracted member of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.
The Symphony and Western Michigan University
The Artist Scholars Program is one of the many ways the Symphony and WMU actively collaborate. In addition, the Symphony often performs with the WMU Grand Chorus, hosts free open rehearsals for Western students to observe the rehearsal process, and offers deeply discounted concert tickets for college students.
The Symphony is proud to employ Western Michigan University graduates who choose to make Kalamazoo home, build their careers, contribute to the local economy, and serve the community they love. Today, WMU alumni make up nearly one-third of the Symphony’s administrative staff, teaching artists, and orchestra, reflecting the lasting impact of Western’s talented graduates on the community.
About the Scholars
Micah Hyink is a master’s student at Western Michigan University. Previously, he studied violin with Brandon Ironside at Bob Jones University. The second of nine children, Hyink was born in Greenville, South Carolina, grew up in Seattle, Washington, and now resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He has performed with both the Seattle Youth Symphony and the Bellevue Youth Symphony, where he won the annual concerto competition in 2020. Hyink has also performed with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and the National Repertory Orchestra. He enjoys a variety of genres, especially film scores and, outside of music, Hyink loves baseball and is an avid Detroit Tigers fan.
Violist Ian Berrington is a senior at Western Michigan University majoring in music education. After three years in the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony, he is currently co-principal of the WMU University Symphony Orchestra and plays in various local chamber groups. Ian studies under Olga Ziabrikova, and has previously studied with Barb Corbató, Igor Fedotov, and Sava Velkoff.
In his spare time, Ian enjoys playing guitar and electric bass, composing, and is an avid bird watcher.
Charlie Mueller, originally from Chicago, is a cellist pursuing his Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at Western Michigan University under the instruction of Bruce Uchimura. He began learning cello through the Suzuki method at age three with Sally Gross, later studying with Brant Taylor and Eric Kim. As an orchestral musician, Mueller has performed throughout the United States and internationally in Canada, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Russia. He has attended music festivals such as the Aspen Music Festival, Brevard Music Festival, International Cello Institute, and Southwestern Ontario Suzuki Institute. He has performed at the Chicago Symphony Center and in masterclasses with Yo-Yo Ma, John Sharp, Brannon Cho, Astrid Schween, Anthony Ross, Tanya Remenikova, Silver Ainomäe, and Hannah Holman. When not playing the cello, he enjoys weightlifting, water-skiing, fishing, hiking, watching movies, and trying new foods.
About the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra believes music has the power to bring people together. For more than 100 years, the Symphony has strengthened Southwest Michigan through inspiring performances, nationally recognized music education, and meaningful community partnerships. Led by Music Director Julian Kuerti and President & CEO Amy Williams, the Symphony creates opportunities for people of all ages to experience the joy of live music and build lasting connections through shared musical experiences.
About Western Michigan University
WMU students are individuals who are truly unique. At Western, we celebrate the passions that drive students and the possibilities that inspire them. For us, a degree is a pursuit of purpose where students are empowered to learn and where an experience-driven education leads to a meaningful career. Broncos prosper. Nine out of 10 graduates are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like. WMU students make their mark on the world—Grammy recipients, Super Bowl champions, doctors, teachers, pilots, and countless others have flourished here. Western is the place where students become the best version of themselves. WMU is a public research university, offering a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs to more than 17,000 students. Learn more at https://wmich.edu/
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