Charlie Olson is a freshman pursuing a Bachelor's in Trombone Performance at DePaul University under Professors Mark Fisher and Charlie Vernon. They are a classically trained tenor trombonist with over eight years of experience and recently graduated from Blaine High School in Minnesota, winning the Patrick S. Gilmore award and studying with multiple teachers, such as Felix Regalado, Christian Howard, and Kari Sundström, while occasionally playing for Douglas Wright and Andy Chappell. They also participated in groups such as the MMEA All-State Concert Band and NWSC Concert Band for two years, while being a part of the honor bands at Gustavus, St. Olaf, and the University of Minnesota.  
 
In the last year, Charlie became a member of the International Trombone Association and Musicians Club of Women, participated in the UW-Madison Brass Quintet Masterclass at the University of Minnesota, and was also a part of the University of Minnesota's marching band, symphonic band, and trombone studio. They have also been a part of outside ensembles such as the Minneapolis Brass and the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies' top orchestra. Most recently, Charlie has competed in the International Trombone Association Gilberto Gagliardi Soloist Competition, achieving the 1st alternate position. Some of their most notable solo performances include performing Nikolai Rimsky Korsakov's Trombone Concerto with their high school concert band and Ferdinand David's Concertino as a public recital. 
 
Charlie is very grateful to the Chautauqua Institution for giving them this opportunity and would like to thank them for their work in widening the reach of music-making to the public.