Max Clifford, ’18
Everyday life for GTCYS alum and violinist Max Clifford is immersed in music. When he’s not teaching orchestra at Wayzata High School, he also plays violin with the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra. You might also find him at the occasional GTCYS rehearsal as a sectional coach!
Max started his GTCYS journey in Philharmonia, working his way up over 6 years to Symphony and capping off his experience with a tour to Eastern Europe after his senior year. Tour was a highlight of Max’s GTCYS experience, and he fondly remembers playing Dvořák’s 8th Symphony through Germany, Poland, and Hungary. Another unforgettable moment was celebrating his 18th birthday on a Danube dinner cruise (pictured here with conductors Mary Sorlie and Barb Flooding).
GTCYS kickstarted a lifelong career in the arts for Max. He shares, “GTCYS inspired my career in music education. The combination of talented peers, supportive conductors, and frequent performance opportunities nourished my musical growth in ways both large and small.”
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