About.

Lauren Burchell (she/they) is a classically-trained musician who studies orchestral conducting and double bass. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Music for Orchestral Conducting at Arizona State University, after just having graduated with a Bachelor's in Music and a Bachelor's in History. The ever passionate student, Lauren is thrilled at the prospect of being able to grow both as an individual and as a group with the People’s Community Orchestra of Tempe. 

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 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 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, 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 is in her senior year at Arizona State University, pursuing her degree in Marketing (BS). Makayla joined PCO in 2022 as a violinist. She continues to play with PCO in the symphony group. Makayla is very excited to continue working with PCO as their new Marketing Coordinator and hopes to learn and grow her skills for life after college.

Zahera Suhartono (she/they) 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! You can check out her work at: zaherasuhartono.com