Hops & Horn | About the UNCSA Horn Ensemble

Hayden Abercrombie is a North Carolina native, hornist, and educator currently based in Winston-Salem. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Horn Performance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where he studies with Dr. Maria Serkin.

An enthusiastic and versatile performer, Hayden has appeared with the Durham Symphony Orchestra and Winston-Salem Symphony. At UNCSA, he is an active member of the horn studio and horn ensemble. Recent highlights include performing Brahms’ Fourth Symphony with the UNCSA Orchestra and conducting the UNCSA Horn Ensemble in Jacob Evart’s Cosmos.

Hayden made his Sydney Opera House debut in 2023 through the High School Honors Performance Series. He has attended the Schwob Brass Festival and the International Chamber Music Academy in Ochsenhausen, Germany. An advocate for contemporary and underrepresented music, he premiered Peter Noll’s Sparks in 2025 and recorded Louis Ballard’s Dances of the Nighthawk Kitowah with the UNCG Wind Ensemble.

Dedicated to artistic growth, Hayden has performed in masterclasses and studied with distinguished artists, including Jennifer Montone, Ryan Little, Dr. Anne-Marie Cherry, David Cooper, and Catherine Turner. His primary teachers include Dr. Maria Serkin and Dr. Abigail Pack.

Outside of music, Hayden enjoys traveling, reading feminist literature, and spending time with friends and loved ones.

Leo Breit is a high school senior at UNCSA from Durham, North Carolina. An active ensemble musician, Leo has performed with the UNCSA Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Bergstone Brass, and Student Composer Orchestra. She has also participated in the North Carolina All-District and All-State Bands.

Leo’s summer experiences include UNCG Music Camp, Cannon Music Camp, North Carolina Governor’s School East, and the International Chamber Music Academy in Ochsenhausen, Germany. Prior to attending UNCSA, she studied horn with Rachel Niketopoulos and Christopher Caudill.

After graduating from high school, Leo plans to continue studying music in college, where she hopes to explore different aspects of the art form, including performance, teaching, and composition. Outside of music, she enjoys spending time with her pets, solving Sudoku puzzles, and tackling Rubik’s Cubes. She looks forward to completing her high school experience surrounded by the community of musicians and artists at UNCSA.

Kyle Coleman is a hornist from Beaufort, North Carolina.  Kyle is in his fourth year of pursuing his Bachelor degree in horn performance, and intends to use his talents in the US military band after graduation. Before coming to UNCSA, Kyle has had the honor to play in ensembles including the Instrumental Music Wind Ensemble at Governor’s School East (2022), Eastern District All-District Band (2019-2023), and as an inaugural member of Carteret Collective Sound (2021).  Since arriving in Winston-Salem, Kyle has immersed himself in UNCSA ensembles including the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Nutcracker Orchestra, and Winter Opera Orchestra, as well as extensive chamber ensemble experience.  He has also performed multiple concerts with the Wake Forest University Symphony Orchestra, and currently freelances as a hornist and tenor for churches in the area.  Kyle had the distinct privilege of playing horn with the College Light Opera Company this summer! Passionate and deeply driven by faith, Kyle is focused and forward thinking, working with professionals and other students to tell musical stories in increasingly interesting ways. He seeks to show the beauty of creation in every performance.  In his free time, Kyle enjoys reading, singing, and model railroading.

Jack Contreras is a first-year junior in the UNCSA High School Program, where he studies horn performance with Dr. Maria Serkin. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Jack attended Providence High School, performed with the Youth Orchestra of Charlotte, and studied briefly with Paige Quillen. In the summer of 2026, he toured Austria with the Youth Orchestra of Charlotte under the direction of Dr. Ernest Pereira, performing in several cathedrals throughout the country. His musical achievements include earning first chair in the 2026 North Carolina All-State Honors Band and performing Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 3 with the Providence High School Wind Ensemble.

In addition to playing horn, Jack is an accomplished guitarist. He has become active in Charlotte’s live music community, performing bluegrass and jazz fusion throughout the area. He is also building a social media presence by sharing virtuosic guitar performances and exploring the intersection of classical and metal music.

Charlotte Davis is an active hornist and educator based in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Horn Performance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). In 2025, she earned dual degrees in Music Education and Music Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), where she studied with Dr. Abigail Pack.

A passionate educator, Charlotte has worked with numerous high school marching bands, music performance assessment (MPA) sectionals, and concert ensembles throughout the Triad. She completed her student teaching at Northwest Guilford High School, where she also served on the marching band instructional staff for three years. Additionally, she has worked as a counselor and administrative assistant for the UNCG Summer Music Camp. She maintains a private teaching studio and manages social media for the UNCSA Horn Studio, having previously held a similar role at UNCG.

Charlotte’s performance highlights include appearances at the 2022 Midwest Clinic, the 2023 International Horn Society Conference, the 2023 North Carolina Music Educators Association Conference, and the 2025 Collegiate Band Directors National Association Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.

Outside of music, Charlotte enjoys spending time with her orange cat, Jupiter, line dancing, and traveling with friends.

Arturo Dekle is an undergraduate third-year hornist originally from Palm Beach County, Florida, currently pursuing his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). With over a decade of experience playing the horn and a lifelong dedication to music, Arturo brings passion, creativity, and versatility to his musical pursuits.

In addition to the horn, Arturo is an accomplished trumpet player who performs primarily in jazz settings. He also enjoys arranging music across genres for a variety of chamber ensembles. Having attended arts-focused middle and high schools, he developed a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary music.

Arturo’s performance experience includes appearances with the New World Symphony and Palm Beach Symphony through their respective Side-by-Side programs. He was also honored with the Palm Beach Symphony’s Lisa Bruna B-Major Award in recognition of his musical achievements.

Beyond performing, Arturo has demonstrated leadership and initiative as an event organizer. In spring 2025, he coordinated and led two Spring Carnival events, featuring a Latin band he personally assembled as the main act.

Arturo continues to explore new artistic directions while refining his performance skills, seeking opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to the musical community.

Alex Fink is a freshman horn player in the UNCSA High School Program. Prior to attending UNCSA, he studied with Andrew Fierova, performed with the Charlotte Youth Symphony, and participated in the North Carolina Honors Band and All-District Band. He has also attended Cannon Music Camp and the Carolina Youth Orchestra Summer Festival.

Alex looks forward to making the most of his four years at UNCSA as he continues to grow as a performer and artist. Outside of music, he enjoys playing video games, reading, and writing.

Elena Gradus is a high school senior at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where she studies horn performance. Originally from Davidson, North Carolina, Elena previously attended Hough High School, where she performed with the wind ensemble, symphonic band, and various chamber ensembles. She has also been selected for the North Carolina All-District Band and Mecklenburg County Honor Bands.

An enthusiastic orchestral and chamber musician, Elena served as principal horn of the North Carolina Youth Orchestras and was an active member of its brass ensemble. She has participated in several summer music programs, including the UNCG Summer Music Camp and the Carolina Youth Orchestra Summer Festival. Prior to attending UNCSA, Elena studied horn with Andrew Fierova for four years.

Following graduation, Elena hopes to pursue a dual degree in music and biomedical engineering, combining her passion for artistic expression with her interest in science and technology.

Outside of her musical and academic pursuits, Elena enjoys spending time with friends, playing the banjo, exploring the latest scientific research and developments in engineering, and enjoying the outdoors.

Jake Leifheit is a high school junior at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where he studies horn performance. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, Jake previously attended A.C. Reynolds High School, where he served as principal horn of the wind ensemble and participated in marching band, jazz band, pit orchestra, and brass quintet. In 2026, he toured Italy with his school band, performing in cities including Rome and Venice.

An enthusiastic and dedicated musician, Jake previously served as principal horn of the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra, performing alongside members of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and earning recognition as a finalist in the orchestra’s concerto competition. He has been selected for the North Carolina All-State Band multiple times. In the summer of 2026, Jake attended North Carolina Governor’s School East, where he deepened his musical understanding and strengthened his connection to the instrument.

Since joining UNCSA, Jake has continued to pursue his passion for performance as a member of the UNCSA Wind Ensemble and High School Horn Quartet. He also serves as principal horn of the Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestra. Committed to music education and community engagement, Jake volunteers each summer at his former middle school, mentoring beginner and intermediate horn students.

Jake aspires to attend a conservatory to study horn performance and pursue a professional career in music, embracing opportunities to perform, collaborate, and share his passion with others.

Charles Long is a high school junior at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where he studies horn performance with Dr. Maria Serkin. He began playing the horn in sixth grade and has since earned numerous honors, including selections to All-County, All-District, and All-State honor bands. He has also participated in several summer music programs, including the North Carolina Governor’s School.

Charles currently performs with the Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestra. Prior to moving to North Carolina, he spent three years performing with the Alabama Youth Symphony while living in the Birmingham area.

Following high school, Charles hopes to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to pursue a career in medicine while continuing his passion for music.

Outside of his musical and academic interests, Charles enjoys spending time with family and friends, particularly tackling escape rooms. He boasts an impressive 100% success rate across more than 40 escape rooms! He also enjoys spending time playing duets with his sister.

Nathan Olusemire is a dedicated hornist from Lagos, Nigeria, currently pursuing his Graduate Artist Certificate at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where he studies with Dr. Maria Serkin. His musical journey began in 2018 at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, where he was first introduced to the French horn. Embracing the instrument’s challenges with determination and enthusiasm, Nathan quickly developed a passion for performance.

With a strong interest in both classical and contemporary music, Nathan has performed with numerous distinguished ensembles, including the Memphis Symphony Orchestra through its Side-by-Side program, Grammy Award-winning Imani Winds, Sugarhill Salon, Divine Symphony Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra of Nigeria, Central Avenue Brass Quintet at the University of Memphis, and Abuja Metropolitan Opera. In 2023, he made his Carnegie Hall debut as principal horn of the African United Orchestra.

Dedicated to artistic development, Nathan has participated in masterclasses and private lessons with prominent musicians, including Jennifer Montone, Kevin Newton, Ernie Tovar, Hazel Dean Davis, and Barbara Jöstlein.

Nathan aspires to establish a distinguished career in classical music while advancing music education and outreach. Passionate about mentorship and advocacy, he hopes to inspire future generations and contribute to the growth and accessibility of classical music throughout West Africa and beyond.

Moss Perdue is a horn player from Swannanoa, North Carolina, with deep musical roots. Raised around a wide variety of musical genres, she began studying violin in first grade, an experience that helped shape the adaptability and musical intuition she brings to her horn playing.

Moss is currently completing her senior year in the UNCSA High School Program, where she studies horn with Dr. Maria Serkin. An active orchestral and chamber musician, she performs with the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble and serves as Principal Horn of the student-led New Works Pit Orchestra. She has also performed with the 2025

UNCSA Nutcracker Orchestra and the 2026 Winter Opera. Beyond UNCSA, Moss performs with the Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestra and previously served as Principal Horn of the Asheville Symphony Youth Philharmonic.

As a chamber musician, Moss performs in a high school woodwind quintet at UNCSA and leads a wind quintet in her hometown that has been together for four years, for which she also transcribes and arranges music. In 2026, she was a finalist in the UNCSA Concerto Competition, competing alongside undergraduate and graduate students. Her recent summer experiences include the Interlochen Horn Intensive and the International Chamber Music Academy in Ochsenhausen, Germany, where she performed Mozart’s Horn Quintet in E-flat major. Prior to attending UNCSA, Moss studied with Dr. Travis Bennett and Paul Stroebel.

Moss plans to pursue horn performance at the conservatory level, with the goal of performing professionally in pit orchestras while continuing her passion for chamber music.

Brayden Pope, from King, North Carolina, is a senior in the UNCSA High School Program. His four years at UNCSA have shaped his development as a horn player and deepened his understanding of music as a means of expression and personal growth. Brayden was selected to attend the North Carolina Governor’s School, a four-week program for motivated students from across the state. He has participated in the Southeast Horn Workshop Solo Competition and the Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition and has performed as a member of the Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestra.

As a chamber musician, Brayden performed with MMLB, a horn quartet that was invited to open a concert for the Winston-Salem Symphony. He was also selected to attend the International Chamber Music Academy in southern Germany, where he performed with several ensembles, including MMLB, and participated in a faculty-student performance of Mozart’s Gran Partita.

Outside of rehearsals and performances, Brayden enjoys exploring a wide range of academic subjects and has a particular passion for writing. One of his proudest accomplishments is the upcoming publication of his essay in the January 2027 issue of the International Horn Society’s The Horn Call. Featured in the student column, the essay explores developing confidence in the face of uncertainty, drawing on Brayden’s own experiences in music education and his growing interest in the ways writing can connect musicians.

Brayden hopes to continue his studies at a music conservatory, where he can pursue opportunities that bring together his artistic and academic interests.

Justice Ratliff is a French horn player from Memphis, Tennessee, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Horn Performance at UNCSA, where she studies with Dr. Maria Serkin. As a Posse Scholar, Justice has developed a deep appreciation for leadership, collaboration, and learning from people with diverse perspectives.

Justice performs in orchestral, operatic, and chamber music settings. Her performance experience includes serving as Principal Horn for Mozart’s Idomeneo and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, as well as performing in Maslanka’s Quintet for Winds No. 3. Through these experiences, she continues to develop as a thoughtful and versatile musician, with an appreciation for both her individual role and her responsibility to the ensemble.

Beyond performing, Justice is passionate about community engagement and finding creative ways to connect with young people. Through UNCSA’s ArtistCorps program, she has worked with students in local schools, learning how to meet them where they are and encourage participation in ways that feel natural and welcoming. She believes meaningful connection begins with understanding others and creating spaces where people feel valued and free to explore new experiences. Through her work, she hopes to connect classical music with everyday life and make musical experiences more accessible, inviting, and meaningful.

Justice hopes to build a career as both a performer and community builder, using music to bring people together. Outside of music, she enjoys painting, cooking, and hosting.

Zoe Redick is a high school senior at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where she studies horn performance under Dr. Maria Serkin. Originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Zoe discovered her love for the horn during her freshman year at East Chapel Hill High School while studying with Mr. Ellefsen. In the summer of 2025, she attended the North Carolina Governor’s School, a selective residential program for gifted high school students, where she deepened her musical knowledge and explored collaborative performance.

In addition to the horn, Zoe enjoys playing a variety of brass instruments, particularly the trumpet, which first introduced her to the brass family. Outside of music, she is an avid reader with a strong interest in philosophy, history, and literature, and she enjoys engaging in thoughtful discussions with those around her.

Following graduation, Zoe hopes to continue performing at the collegiate level, particularly in orchestral settings, while pursuing academic interests in classical philology and the study of antiquity. She is especially interested in exploring Greco-Roman civilization through an interdisciplinary lens, examining its language, literature, history, and culture as an interconnected whole and considering its enduring influence on the modern world.

Mia Vernon is a high school senior at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where she studies horn performance with Dr. Maria Serkin and adjunct professor Andrew Fierova. Prior to attending UNCSA, she attended Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, and studied with Lisa Burn.

In March 2026, Mia earned second place in the Pre-Collegiate Competition at the Southeast Horn Workshop, held at the University of Tennessee. That summer, she attended the Interlochen Arts Academy Summer Horn Intensive, where she won the solo competition and was featured as a soloist on the final concert.

An enthusiastic chamber musician, Mia performed with MMLB, a horn quartet formed during her junior year at UNCSA. In July 2026, she traveled with the ensemble to Germany to participate in the International Chamber Music Academy in Ochsenhausen. She currently performs with the UNCSA Brass Quintet, collaborating with both high school and collegiate musicians.

Mia aspires to pursue a professional career as a hornist and is currently applying to conservatories to continue her musical education. She looks forward to further developing her artistic voice, expanding her performance experiences, and making meaningful contributions to the musical community.