Katelyn performs on Show 435.

Katelyn Nguyen (bassoon), 16, hails from Portland Oregon, and is a junior at Parkrose High School. Katelyn first began playing the Clarinet in 7th grade, but later was inspired to learn bassoon at the age of 12 with Dagny Rask Regan. One year later, Katelyn moved to her current teacher, Carin Miller, Principal Bassoon of the Oregon Symphony. Katelyn currently serves as Principal Bassoon for the Portland Youth Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Youth Symphony.

Katelyn has participated in OMEA All-State for several years as well as NAfME AllNorthwest as a freshman. She placed first in districts, as well as third in the state for bassoon as a sophomore, and won third place in the Eric Varner Young Artist Competition. Katelyn had the opportunity to attend the Juilliard Summer Winds program in 2021, participating in masterclasses given by Andrew Brady, Judith LeClair, Kim Laskowski, and William Short. Most recently, Katelyn was selected as a bassoonist for Carnegie Hall’s 2023 National Youth Orchestra. In the future, Katelyn plans to attend a music conservatory and follow the career path of becoming a professional bassoonist.

Receiving the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award enabled Katelyn to purchase a new bassoon, which she played during her From the Top recording, and which will last her for a lifetime.