Pete Amawattana

Cellist Pete Amawattana started his musical studies in the public school orchestras of Salem, Oregon, where he studied with Ian Hammerquist, John Harris-Clippinger, Dr. Joseph Harchanko, and Damian Berdakin. As a student he performed yearly in regional and state honor ensembles as both a cellist and double bassist. In competitions, he participated in various chamber ensembles that received first place at both regional and state levels.

Pete has professionally performed with the Eugene Ballet Orchestra, Eugene Concert Orchestra, Eugene Symphony, and the Eugene Opera Orchestra. In 2024 he had the opportunity to record George Walker’s Piano Concerto for NAXOS Records with soloist Dr. Alexander Dossin and the University of Oregon Philharmonia. In the same year Pete was also a string-division winner of the University of Oregon’s concerto competition. His undergraduate teachers include Steve Pologe for cello, Tyler Abbott for bass, and Dr. Andy Streitelmeier and Mac Mayer for music education.

After completing his bachelor's in music education, Pete taught music in the Eugene School District 4J for two years, and under his direction the high school orchestra received state-qualifying scores for the first time in their competition history. He also helped manage Eugene’s first regional string festival, and in 2025 received a teaching award for “Outstanding First Year.” Beyond school, Pete worked as a bass coach for the Oregon All-State middle school ensemble while also coaching strings for the Eugene-Springfield Youth Orchestra program.

Pete is grateful to be a recipient of the Winston-Salem Symphony Orchestral String Fellowship and is excited to be studying cello at the North Carolina School of the Arts under Dr. Brooks Whitehouse. When not in school Pete enjoys lifting weights, recreationally playing tennis, and eating Thai food.