Palm Beach Symphony awards 3 high school students with new instruments

The winners of the 2025 Palm Beach Symphony Lisa Bruna B-Major Award, from left to right, Malorie Bliss (cello), Alexander Rodriguez (euphonium) and Thomas "Aidan" Gardner (flute). [Photo by IndieHouse Films]

The Palm Beach Symphony has named three Palm Beach County high school seniors the winners of the 2025 Lisa Bruna B-Major Award. The recognition comes with professional-level instruments.

The winners are Thomas “Aidan” Gardner (flute), Malorie Bliss (cello) and Alexander Rodriguez (euphonium).

First Place: Aidan Gardner

Gardner, a senior at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, won a Powell Conservatory sterling-silver flute with a custom 14-karat rose-gold headjoint. He has performed with the Dreyfoos Philharmonic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble and has participated in international music festivals. His achievements include Florida All-State Band first chair, finalist in the National Society of Arts and Letters Concerto Competition, and Outstanding Flutist at the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival at Lincoln Center.

“This is inspiring me to push myself farther and achieve greater things,” he said.

Second Place: Malorie Bliss

Dreyfoos senior Bliss received a handmade Stefan Petrov cello, a Herman Luger bow and a polycarbonate flight case. She has been principal cellist of the Dreyfoos Philharmonic Orchestra and has studied under Claudio Jaffé, principal cellist of the Palm Beach Symphony. She has participated in All-State Orchestras, the Eastern Music Festival and chamber ensembles.

“This instrument can take me throughout my collegiate career and beyond,” she said, emphasizing that it enables her to explore new tones and artistic expression.

Third Place: Alexander Rodriguez

A senior at Palm Beach Central Community High School, Rodriguez received a custom-built Willson 2975 professional euphonium. Born without the lower portion of his left arm, he requires a specially configured instrument so he can play all four valves with his right hand. In addition to excelling in music, Rodriguez is a black belt in karate and has continually earned superior ratings in solo and ensemble competitions.

He described winning as a life-changing moment, enabling him to play at a higher level with greater ease. He credited the Palm Beach Symphony for supporting young musicians.

The Lisa Bruna B-Major Award is given annually to graduating high school seniors in Palm Beach County who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to pursuing a music career. Students are nominated by teachers and undergo a live audition process. The awards are funded through the Palm Beach Symphony’s Todd Barron Instrument Donation Fund.

For more details, visit palmbeachsymphony.org.