HAYA! (The Heller Awards for Young Artists)

When Ginger Morris asked me to take charge of orchestrations for the 13th Annual Heller Awards for Young Artists, the Tony Awards® for Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre, I couldn’t say yes fast enough! This ceremony features a 14-piece orchestra performing over 40 songs from 20 different musicals, all brilliantly arranged by my friend and mentor Adam Roberts. The HAYAs hold a special place in my heart because nine years ago, when I was a high school student, I co-hosted the ceremony with my twin sister Hannah. Returning home to orchestrate this year’s ceremony was a full-circle moment that I will cherish forever, made all the more exciting by a special guest host, my childhood friend Vincent Hooper! I should also shout out producers extraordinaire Donelvan Thigpen and Peyton Calhoon, without whom none of this would be possible.

Produced by Texas Performing Arts in association with Impact Arts, the HAYAs support more than 40 area high schools, including approximately 30% Title I campuses, reaching over 80,000 students each year, and two student winners are selected to participate in The Jimmy Awards in New York City. It’s a thrilling evening of entertainment, giving out over $10,000 in scholarships, and featuring passionate performances from hundreds of students in Austin’s beautiful Bass Concert Hall.