Tyree Carr III joins a growing roster of Key to Change students earning solo appearances with regional orchestras, performing before a packed audience in his debut with the University of Washington Philharmonia Campus Orchestra
Pictured: Tyree Carr III, 15-year-old Key to Change violist, on stage during his performance with UW Philharmonia Campus Orchestra
On May 30, 2026, 15-year old violinist Tyree Carr III took a major step forward in his musical journey as he made his solo debut with the University of Washington Philharmonia Campus Orchestra before a packed audience at Meany Center for the Performing Arts.
Tyree earned the opportunity after winning the 2026 Key to Change Concerto Competition in January. As part of Key to Change’s partnership with the University of Washington School of Music, the annual competition winner is invited to perform as a soloist with the UW Philharmonia, one of the university’s largest ensembles.
Performing the third and fourth movements of Georg Philipp Telemann’s Viola Concerto in G Major, Tyree demonstrated poise, confidence, and musical maturity beyond his years. His performance captivated the audience and marked another milestone for a young musician whose artistic growth continues to accelerate.
Following the concert, Tyree’s viola instructor, Mara Gearman, Assistant Principal Violist of the Seattle Symphony, offered high praise.
“This was the best I have ever heard Tyree play with an orchestra,” she shared.
The University of Washington Philharmonia Campus Orchestra is composed of more than 150 students representing a wide range of academic disciplines. While most are not music majors, they remain deeply committed to music-making and gather each week to rehearse and perform alongside fellow students who share a passion for the arts.
One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came after the performance when Tyree was greeted backstage by Jolene Nguyen, the very first viola student to enroll at Key to Change. Now graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in Microbiology and recently admitted to the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Jolene proudly congratulated Tyree and presented him with flowers following his performance.
The moment was a powerful reflection of the Key to Change journey: a pioneering alumna preparing for her career in healthcare celebrating a rising young artist taking the next step in his musical career. The connection was especially meaningful given Tyree’s own aspirations to study Microbiology in college, creating an inspiring bridge between two students connected by music, scholarship, and ambition.
For Tyree, it was a special moment. For Key to Change, it represented something even larger: one generation of students celebrating the success of the next.
Pictured left to right: Key to Change instructor of viola, Mara Gearman, Key to Change alumni viola Student, Jolene Nguyen, and violist Tyree Carr III after UW Solo Debut
Tyree becomes the third Key to Change student to make a solo debut with the University of Washington Philharmonia Campus Orchestra. Violinist Eden Pawlos debuted in 2024, followed by violinist Laila West in 2025. Together, they represent a growing tradition of excellence and opportunity made possible through the partnership between Key to Change and the University of Washington School of Music.
Tyree now joins a distinguished and expanding roster of Key to Change students and alumni who have appeared as soloists with orchestras throughout the Pacific Northwest. From the Seattle Symphony and Federal Way Symphony to the University of Washington Philharmonic and beyond, these opportunities reflect years of dedication, preparation, and artistic growth.
His next major performance is already on the horizon. In October, Tyree will make his debut with the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra alongside fellow Key to Change violinist Thomas Luu, another rising young musician whose accomplishments continue to bring pride to the organization and community.
As Key to Change approaches its tenth anniversary, stories like Tyree’s serve as powerful reminders of what is possible when talented young people are given access to exceptional instruction, meaningful opportunities, and a community that believes in their potential.
Building a legacy of soloists does not happen overnight. It happens one lesson, one performance, one mentor, and one opportunity at a time. Tyree Carr III’s performance at Meany Theater was not only a celebration of his achievement, but also a testament to what can happen when young people are challenged to pursue excellence and supported every step of the way.
The future is bright for Tyree, and his performance with the University of Washington Philharmonia Campus Orchestra is another inspiring chapter in a remarkable journey that is only just beginning.
Pictured left to right: UWPCO Director Dr. David Alexander Rahbee, Dr. Quinton Morris, UWPCO Assistant Robert Stahly, Tyree Carr III, and Mara Gearman
