Jorge performs on Show 456.

Jorge Cruz-Hernandez (bassoon), 16, from Hoffman Estates, Illinois, is a high school junior. While being immersed in music a lot of his life, he began studying the bassoon during his freshman year at Schaumburg High School with Andrew Marlin, one of Chicagoland’s lead bassoon instructors. Since starting just under two years ago, studying and playing the bassoon has opened up countless doorways. Jorge has participated in some of the area’s leading double reed workshops, including Midwest Young Artists’ Chicago Double Reed Festival and The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Regional Double Reed Day. Additionally, he participated in Andrew Marlin’s Summer Bassoon Workshop in both 2023 and 2024. He has also had the pleasure of performing in masterclasses for some of the best bassoonists from around the country, including Ben Roidl-Ward from the University of Illinois, Keith Sweger from Ball State University, Jim Rodgers from the Pittsburgh Symphony, Miles Maner from the Chicago Symphony, and Elise Wagner from the Houston Symphony.

Jorge especially enjoys the unforgettable memories he has made in music. He has made some of the best friends he’s ever had from his high school band and various music programs he’s participated in, has performed bassoon workshop concerts for the community drawing a crowd that extends far beyond just friends and family, and has truly found his love and passion that continuously allows him to create a better version of himself with each passing day.