About.
The People’s Community Orchestra, comprised of two ensembles – Chamber and Symphony – strives to cultivate a collaborative and growth-oriented musical environment for musicians of all ages and backgrounds. Rooted in the belief that music should be accessible, inclusive, and community-centered, PCO brings together performers united by a shared passion for artistic excellence and meaningful connection through music.
Through performances across Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, San Tan Valley, and Scottsdale, PCO seeks to enrich the cultural landscape of the Valley while making live orchestral music approachable and engaging for diverse audiences. Our programming spans beloved orchestral masterworks, contemporary compositions, and works by living composers, offering audiences a dynamic and wide-ranging concert experience.
We are also committed to creating opportunities for collaboration with emerging musicians through composer residencies to premiere new works and an annual concerto competition to showcase soloists. Whether welcoming seasoned performers or musicians returning to their instruments after years away, the People’s Community Orchestra strives to cultivate an environment where artistry, education, and community flourish together.
Symphony
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Pre-professional/adult orchestra focused on performance.
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Open to ages 18+, college students, and adults
Chamber
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Educational ensemble focusing on technique and learning.
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Open to ages 13+, high schoolers, college students, and adults.
Meet the team.
Lauren Burchell
CEO & Director of Symphony
Lauren Burchell is a Mexican-American conductor and double bassist based out of Tempe, Arizona. As artistic director, she is committed to providing accessible educational and pre-professional opportunities for musicians of diverse ages and backgrounds.
Concurrently, she holds the position of Assistant Conductor of the Arizona State University Symphony Orchestra. There, Desbordes and Desmond Siu her Master’s in Orchestral Conducting with Dr. Alejandro Gómez Guillén and a Master’s in Double Bass Performance with Catalin Rotaru. She previously studied at Arizona State University for her two undergraduate degrees, receiving Bachelor’s degrees in both History and Music. Her other musical mentors include Dr. Julie Desbordes and Desmond Siu.
Deanna Rusnock
Director of Chamber
Deanna Rusnock completed both of her Masters Degrees at Arizona State University: a Masters in Music Composition, and a Masters in Jazz Piano Performance. A composer and multi-instrumentalist, Deanna has had pieces premiered both nationally and internationally; she was the composer for the musical “Digestive Quest!” which premiered in Arizona Summer of 2024, and Shanghai, China, in November 2024. Deanna won ASU’s Composition Competition for the 2021-2022 school year, has previously been runner-up in the 2020 Women’s Orchestra of Arizona Composition Competition and writes for a wide variety of ensembles. Deanna collaborated with Jennifer Koh and the ARCO Collaborative in their “Alone Together” concert series. From accordion, banjo, and bagpipes, to MIDI-based video game music, Deanna loves portraying stories and scenes through her music. She draws inspiration from 20th- and 21st-century composers such as Dmitri Shostakovich and Takashi Yoshimatsu, and aims to create music that is vibrant in color.
Charles Anderson
Director of Administration
Charles Anderson is an Arizona-based professional musician and educator with nearly 10 years of experience performing on the guitar. Beginning his education in piano at the age of 5, Charles has grown up with music, finishing his Degree in Jazz Performance in the Fall of 2023. Charles has been teaching guitar to students of all ages for seven years.
Charles is pursing a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies at Arizona State University, beginning fall 2024. He is excited to continue providing excellent care to PCO's administration team, as well as its members.
Gita Aji
Director of Marketing
Gita Aji immigrated to America at the age of 18 to pursue her education. She graduated from ASU in 2018 with a degree in Design Management (BA), and currently working as an Admin in a music school. Gita joined PCO as a percussionist in 2024, and she is thrilled to continue working with PCO as their social media manager. As a person who is passionate about music, she is very thankful for the opportunity to learn and take her musical experiences to the next level. Gita's website: https://gitdesigns.weebly.com/
Daimien Benally
Director of Education
Daimien, an ASU violinist and passionate educator, has been performing and sharing music with others since he was eight years old. He is currently pursuing his bachelor's degree in Music Learning and Teaching (BMUS) alongside a minor in mathematics while teaching private lessons and being actively involved in the school orchestras, small ensembles, baritone-bass choir. Daimien's goal is to help young musicians enjoy learning, discover their learning styles, and recognize the meaningful connections between music, themselves, and the wider world.
Makayla Blancarte
Marketing Coordinator
Makayla Blancarte earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Arizona State University, graduating cum laude in 2026. She joined PCO in 2022 as a violinist and continues to perform with symphony. As Marketing Coordinator, Makayla combines her passion for music and marketing to help grow PCO's presence in the community through engaging content and strategic communications. She is excited to continue supporting the organization while gaining valuable experience in marketing strategy.
Makayla's Website: https://makaylablancarte-moreaboutme.my.canva.site/homepage
Zahera Suhartono
Creative Director
Zahera Suhartono is an ASU alumni with a BS in Industrial Design and a minor in Japanese. As a Phoenix-based designer experienced in industrial, graphic, and UX/UI design, she has worked on projects for small startups and big names like Disney. She joined the PCO admin team in 2023 and continues to design merch, graphics, and more for the organization!