Gretchen Berendt, an avid orchestral and chamber musician from Wampum, Pennsylvania, graduated from the Eastman School of Music in May with a Bachelor of Music degree in Horn Performance with Highest Distinction, and a Performer’s Certificate. She also is a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society and a recipient of the John Celentano Award for Excellence in Chamber Music. While at Eastman, Gretchen performed with the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra, Eastman Opera Theater Orchestra, Eastman Philharmonia, Eastman Wind Orchestra, Eastman Wind Ensemble, Musica Nova, the Eastman Horn Choir, the Barbershop Wind Quintet, and the Empire Film and Media Ensemble. In addition to doing some freelancing in the Rochester area, she has also subbed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Eastman Harmonie, and is on the New World Symphony’s substitute and extra player list. Her notable teachers include Peter Kurau, Maura McCune Corvington, and Mark Houghton. Since 2013, Gretchen has enjoyed participating in various summer festivals to meet new people and further her musical education. Prior to attending Eastman, Gretchen toured Europe as a member of the National Youth Orchestra performing in world renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall on the BBC Proms, and the Elbphilharmonie. For the past three years, she attended the National Orchestral Institute + Festival. In addition to music, Gretchen enjoys nail art, reading, knitting, and sewing. This fall, she will be attending the Yale School of Music to pursue a Master of Music degree in Horn Performance.

Gretchen is the recipient of the Hilda Jo Anne Milham Scholarship.