This fall, bassoon fellow Jorge Hernandez will be the first in his family to attend university. Jorge will be attending the University of Southern California studying under the tutelage of Shawn Mouser. Before heading to the Golden State, Jorge sat down and reflected on the support CMPI gave him during his senior year.
Jorge first began studying the bassoon during his freshman year at Schaumburg High School. He stated he enjoyed that the bassoon was “cool and different,” which led to his instrument decision. His love for his lesson teacher, Andrew Marlin, was a leading factor as well.
It was around his junior year when he began to pursue music on a deeper level. His lesson teacher, Andrew Marlin, encouraged him to apply for the hit radio show From the Top. Jorge was featured on an episode aired on January 6, 2025. His musical talent and passion featured in his episode led to him being awarded a Jack Cooke Young Artist Scholarship in 2025. Additionally, his lesson teacher encouraged him to audition for CMPI. After a rigorous audition process, Jorge joined CMPI his senior year of high school.
Although he was only with CMPI for a year, Jorge explains the program left a lasting impact on him. During his time, Jorge joined the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, performing in their Symphony Orchestra. He explains how much he enjoyed being in the ensemble and the friends he made. Furthermore, Jorge participated in a masterclass with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Bill Buchman, which he describes as an “amazing opportunity.” His favorite CMPI memory was performing in his first recital. Jorge had never performed in a recital; he loved seeing people he knew in the audience supporting him, as well as watching the other talented CMPI fellows.
Being a first-generation college student, Jorge credits his college audition success to CMPI’s support. The guidance and financial assistance made Jorge’s college audition process possible. Jorge is proud to be attending the University of Southern California studying with Shawn Mouser this fall, thanks to CMPI.
Outside of music, Jorge enjoys going to the gym, watching his favorite TV show “The Flash,” and hanging out with friends.
For future CMPI fellows entering the program, Jorge offers this advice, “One thing I would tell anyone is to just give it a shot and give it all you got.” Following his own advice led him to a successful collegiate path.
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