Nathan Kock

Hailing all the way from Laredo, TX, Nathan Vilhena Kock is a freelance clarinetist and educator based in the Chicago area. He attended Northwestern University where he earned his master's degree in clarinet performance, and the University of North Texas for his bachelor's in music education and clarinet performance. Nathan has performed with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Chicago Sinfonietta, and Rockford Symphony. In February of 2025, he will appear on a PBS documentary titled 'CHAUTAUQUA AT 150: WYNTON MARSALIS’ ALL RISE' as a part of Chautauqua's 2024 Music School Festival Orchestra, alongside Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Dustin Nguyen

A native of Houston, Texas - Dustin Nguyen is a Trombonist with a Bachelor's from the University of North Texas and a Master's from Northwestern in Trombone Performance. A member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and the Detroit Opera, Dustin has performed with the Chicago Symphony, Music of the Baroque ensemble, and various groups in the Midwest. An International Trombone Association, American Trombone Workshop competition finalist, and the 2023 Northwestern Concerto Competition winner, Dustin has plentiful experience in both ensemble and solo playing. With his roots in Texas, he has led masterclasses at the Junior High and High School levels.

Holly Venkitaswaran

Holly Venkitaswaran is a second year master's student at Northwestern University studying with John Thorne, Jennifer Gunn, and Alyce Johnson. She is an associate member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and a substitute musician for the New World Symphony. In the summer of 2024 she participated in the Spoleto USA Festival in Charleston, South Carolina.

In 2023, Holly won first place in the Mid-South Flute Society Young Artist Competition and was an alternate for the Donald Peck International Flute Competition. She has also performed in masterclasses for Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson, Lorna McGhee, Sooyun Kim, and Bonita Boyd. Her other notable performances include solo recitals on Wisconsin Public Radio and WFMT’s radio show “Introductions” in 2019.