Meet the Team

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Serena Fornay is a pianist and vocalist from Phoenix, Arizona and holds her Bachelor’s of Music (BMUS) in Music Learning and Teaching from Arizona State University. Serena is currently on staff at The Phoenix Symphony as a Development Associate, where she supports the essential fundraising functions of the organization. An avid, aspiring conductor, Serena has participated in various conducting workshops, including the Los Angeles Conducting Workshop and Competition. Passionate about creating inspiring and accessible musical experiences for all audiences, Serena is honored to be joining the People’s Community Orchestra of Tempe as Assistant Conductor of Chamber Ensemble.

Lauren Burchell (she/they) is a classically-trained musician who studies orchestral conducting and double bass. She is currently pursuing her musicianship and education at Arizona State University as she double majors in Music and Culture (BA) and History (BA). As an avid 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.

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/

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