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150 Lake Dr, Ste 103
Wexford, PA 15090
725-934-PLAY (7529)
info@pycosom.com

Marissa Knaub Avon, Harp Teacher:

Harpist, Marissa Knaub Avon, is a frequent soloist and orchestra member throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. She performs in more than 50 events each year such as weddings, receptions, corporate parties, church services, solo recitals, orchestra, and chamber concerts.. Currently, she is working on a harp worship recording.

In October 2016, Marissa performed in "The Fantasticks" with the Pittsburgh Public Theater. She performs regularly with the Resonance Works, Edgewood Symphony, Alia Musica, Youngstown Symphony and Wheeling Symphony. Marissa teaches harp at Youngstown State University, Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra and maintains a private harp teaching studio for students of all ages.

Marissa completed the Performance Studies program at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Yolanda Kondonassis. She holds a Master of Music degree from Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University where she studied with Jeanne Chalifoux. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where her studies included jazz harp under the tutelage of Felice Pomeranz. She spent many summers at the Salzedo Harp Colony in Camden, ME studying with the legendary harp teacher, Alice Chalifoux. She began the harp at age ten with Lucy Scandrett.

Marissa was a special guest performer at the American Harp Society Conference in New York City. She was the principal harpist of the Firelands Symphony in Sandusky, Ohio. She held harp teaching positions with the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble in Atlanta, GA, at Toccoa Falls University, and Young Artists’ Harp Seminar. Marissa gave solo harp recitals for the Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association and performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony, and other major surrounding area orchestras. In Atlanta, she played with many ensembles and orchestras including the Macon Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, New Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra, and Ludwig Symphony Orchestra. Marissa won a resident artist fellowship at the Atlantic Music Festival. She has also played with the Chamber Music International in London, England and with the Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific in British Columbia. Other notable experiences include performing as jazz harpist with Charlie Haden and Michael Brecker at Carnegie Hall in New York City as well as with Ray Charles in Washington, D.C. She also performed at The White House and toured Europe as principal harpist with the West Virginia Ovations Orchestra.

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Questions regarding the Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra (including the PYCO Symphony Orchestra, Concert Winds, Concert Strings, Chamber Strings Orchestra, Junior Strings Orchestra, Junior Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Chamber Music Academy) should be directed to the ​PYCO Orchestra administration.