We are so excited to announce that Taylor DeCastro (she/they) has joined Sound Salon as our new Marketing & Operations Manager. Taylor stepped into the role to help out over the summer and will now be assuming a more permanent position with the organization.
Originally from O’ahu, Hawai’i, Taylor is a freelance violinist based in Seattle. She is Concertmaster of Philharmonia Northwest, Assistant Principal Second Violin of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra, and performs in the violin sections of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, Walla Walla Symphony, and Philharmonie Austin.
Taylor brings administrative experience with a performance background to inform her work at Sound Salon. She is a recent graduate of the University of Washington, where she received her M.M. in Violin Performance. Previously, Taylor graduated summa cum laude from Lawrence University, where she studied violin and studio art.
“I am profoundly grateful to Taylor for stepping in with such grace, care, and dedication during a difficult time of grief and uncertainty for Sound Salon. Having worked closely with her over these past few months, her warmth, capability, and thoughtful approach have already made a huge impact on the organization. As both an active performer and a skilled administrator, Taylor deeply understands the power of music in connecting communities, and I am so thrilled to welcome her to our team in a permanent role as we look ahead to an inspiring new season.” – Melinda Abendroth, Executive Director
On joining the Sound Salon team, Taylor shares, “I feel so lucky to join an organization whose mission I believe in wholeheartedly. Every day, I am inspired by the leadership of Melinda and Byron, and by the passion of Sound Salon’s supporters. I look forward to giving back to my community and finding ways to expand our reach, while prioritizing the longevity of the organization.”
Please say hello to Taylor at our next concert, Age of Galileo, on the opening night of the 2026 Early Music America Summit. Enjoy an exciting program for three violins, viol, theorbo, guitar, and harpsichord, with music by Giovanni Battista Fontana, Francesca Caccini, Isabella Leonarda, Heinrich Schmelzer, and more. Don’t miss out on our all-star group of seven musicians — Guillermo Salas-Suárez, Anna Okada, Alice Culin-Ellison, Patricia Neely, Gus Denhard, Jon Wasserman, and Byron Schenkman —performing at our Season Opener!
We hope you join us in welcoming Taylor to the Sound Salon team! If you have any questions, need help purchasing tickets, or would like to sign up to volunteer, Taylor can be reached at taylor@soundsalonmusic.org.