The Detroit Symphony Orchestra has announced five full-time musician appointments and three long-term contracts for its 2026-27 season.
The full-time appointments are assistant principal trumpet Joseph Brown, violists Zola Hightower and Sanford Whatley, assistant principal cello Alon Hayut and cellist Bennet Huang.
Luke Fitzpatrick joins as acting second flute, Kristi Crago returns as acting utility horn and Jeremy Sreejayan joins as acting percussion under long-term contracts.
Hightower’s background includes teaching viola at the University of Michigan and working with youth and summer music programs. Her outreach experience includes The Heartbeat Project, which serves the Navajo Nation.
The orchestra is also continuing its African American Orchestra Fellowship with returning fellows Donovan Bown on oboe and Triniti Rives on clarinet. Established in 1990, the program combines orchestral performance with coaching, mentorship, mock auditions and community representation.
The appointments and fellowship connect professional ensemble work with the education and career development of musicians at different stages.
For more information, visit dso.org.