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From the Graduating Class of 2024: Words to Remember

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The graduating class of 2024 share messages to the SFCM community of remembrance, gratitude, and what's next.

May 23, 2024 by Mark Taylor

Alissa Goretsky, Voice 
"I will be joining Houston Grand Opera as one of its Sarah and Ernest Butler Houston Grand Opera Studio Artists. I'd like to thank my teacher César Ulloa—who has been there through all of this with me—and Heather Mathews and everyone in the Opera program. They've all been crucial to me and my growth as a person, and as a performer." 

Hannah Wendorf.

Hannah Wendorf.

Hannah Wendorf, Viola
"I am endlessly grateful for my teacher, Dimitri Murrath, for transforming my technique and approach to practicing. I would also like to thank my friends, who have taught me how to be an adventurous and dedicated musician and human being. My plans after graduation are to spend the summer working and traveling, and then continuing my education with a Master's degree."

Britton Fugazzi, Trombone
"Being a part of this community where you can perform so much and collaborate so easily has made me realize that to make the most of it, you have to have discipline, but it also takes a healthy mental and physical state. SFCM allows you to have that lifestyle, and that is something that I did not realize until I was about to leave. But it's something that if I could say something to the new students coming in, it would be, 'cherish that.'  And to the students that are in the middle of their time here: Cherish that as much as you possibly can, because this is sacred time."

Mateyko Jazwinski, Roots, Jazz, and American Music
“I’d like to thank my main bass instructors Matt Brewer, Scott Pingel, and Reuben Rogers for having patience and generously sharing their wisdom in our lessons, and instilling equal parts inspiration and discipline—I would not be where I am musically without them! I plan to be a working bass player in various bands, along with producing and songwriting for myself and other artists. Eventually I’d love to tour  and find a balance between producing and live performance."

Seth Hanson.

Seth Hanson.

Seth Hanson, Voice
"After graduation, I plan to become a crossover artist. My time at SFCM has taught me that no artist or musician is limited. We can all think outside the box, and experiment with new styles of music, techniques, and roles. I have expanded my taste in opera and musical theater and feel confident in my abilities to perform in both. I am excited to see what new and exciting repertoire I can add to my career!"

Joseph Calzada, Voice 
"After graduation, I will be joining the prestigious Wolf Trap Opera as a Studio Artist for the summer of 2024. There, I will be covering the roles of Don Alfonso (Così fan tutte) and Colline (La bohème), and also performing the role of British Major in Kevin Puts’ Silent Night. Next year, I plan to return to SFCM to continue my studies with my teacher and mentor, César Ulloa, in the PSC program. I want to thank my family for their unwavering support and those who form part of my team for their invaluable guidance and encouragement."

Hyesoo Kim.

Hyesoo Kim.

Ian Rictor, Technology and Applied Composition 
"To my family, friends, colleagues, teachers, and mentors who helped me throughout my journey: thank you for believing in me and helping me reach this milestone. I've cherished your support, and I aim to pay it forward to the next generation of students!"

Lyric Rivera, Flute
"Next year I plan to attend SFCM and pursue a Professional Studies Certificate. I would like to thank my friends and family for all of their love and support. I would also like to thank my teacher Cathy Payne for all of her time, guidance, and patience she has given me and look forward to next year!"

Hyesoo Kim, Voice
"Thank you to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music for being my home for the past two years. I've learned so much and have experienced incredible personal growth during my time here. I'm heading to the East Coast for my next chapter and am excited to see what the future holds. Wishing everyone well!'

Joshua Choi.

Joshua Choi.


Joshua Choi, Viola
"I want to give a special thanks to Dimitri Murrath and Kristen Klehr who have guided me through many doors and who have shown me my full potential and how to achieve it. I am excited to be returning to SFCM for another degree and to continue to build my professional connections both here in SF and beyond."

Maryann Gou, Piano 
"I could not be happier at SFCM. I'm learning so much, and it is exciting to know that the more I learn, the more I realize I need to learn. I can actually hear that my playing has improved, and that is so gratifying, thanks to my phenomenal teacher Garrick Ohlsson, as well as the supportive piano faculty. As for what’s next, I’m excited to continue my studies here as a PSC student this coming academic year, as it almost feels like my journey has only just begun. I’m looking forward to performing more and seeing what’s planned in the upcoming calendar."