Fabrizio Milcent (bassoon), 17,  lives in Little Village, a mostly Latino neighborhood on the West side of Chicago. Music has always been an integral part of Fabrizio’s life. He began studying bassoon at the Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy in 2016, and is currently enrolled at The Chicago High School for the Arts, the only public performing arts high school in Chicago. Fabrizio will be attending the Eastman School of Music this coming fall of 2024, pursuing a degree in bassoon performance, under the tutelage of George Sakakeeny.

Fabrizio is currently a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra’s (CYSO) Symphony Orchestra, led by Allen Tinkham. In addition, he is a member of both CORE, CYSO’s Chamber Orchestra and CYSO’s Ambassador’s Woodwind Quintet. As part of the Ambassadors program, the students prepare several pieces throughout the year, culminating in a tour of performances in Chicago Public schools. The student ambassadors perform, present their instruments, and take questions from the audience.

Fabrizio is also a member of the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI), a training program for young musicians from underrepresented backgrounds who wish to pursue music professionally. Thanks to CMPI, Fabrizio attended the Kinhaven Music School for the Summers of 2021 and 2022, and Interlochen Arts Camp this past summer of 2023. CMPI has also been instrumental in providing the opportunity for Fabrizio to study with William Buchman, assistant principal bassoonist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and bassoon faculty at DePaul University.

In his spare time, Fabrizio likes to compose music, play soccer with friends, and practice his bassoon.

Receiving the Award helped Fabrizio in covering the cost of college audition travel and lodging, and the funds will also support Fabrizio in the purchase of his own instrument.