Biography

Ryo Morita first started playing trumpet in 4th grade with influence from her mother who played trumpet in her youth. Born and raised in Japan, she participated in the after school band that was offered at her elementary school and dedicated her time to music. She moved to the US in 2016 and that same year, she started taking private lessons with Kiri Tollaksen whom she studies with to this day.

Ryo has participated in many ensembles. It includes principal trumpet of MSBOA All-State High School Orchestra for 4 years, principal trumpet of the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra for 3 years, and principal trumpet of the Michigan Youth Symphonic Band for almost 6 years. She has participated in many competitions. In 2023 Ryo is the winner of the Ann Arbor Pioneer Concerto Competition and a repeat winner in the MSBOA Concerto Soloist Competition. She was the winner of MSBOA Concerto Soloist Competition in 2022, semi-finalist at the William C. Byrd Competition in the same year, finalist at the World Trumpet Society Solo Competition in 2021, and few others.

After graduating from Pioneer High School, Ryo plans to major in trumpet performance and is in the middle of her college audition season right now. Music and trumpet was her passion ever since she joined the after school band in elementary school and she cannot thank her elementary school band conductor, Ms. Eriko Watanabe enough for teaching her the joy of making music together and making her go deep into the music world.

Ryo would also like to give huge and unlimited thanks to her private teacher Dr. Kiri Tollaksen and her parents for their continuous support, encouragement, and guide during her trumpet journey up to this day. Last but definitely not the least, she would like to thank Mr. Leach for his guide and support in the Pioneer Band program and Mr. Glawe for opportunities to perform with the Pioneer Orchestra.