Pierce performed on Show 391 from Turtle Studios in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 25, 2020.

Peirce Ellis (viola), 17, hails from Broomall, Pennsylvania and is in his senior year at Marple Academy Homeschool. He attends the Juilliard Pre-College Program where he studies with Toby Appel and Joohyun Kim. Peirce has participated in the Youth Chamber Orchestra in Temple University’s Center for Gifted Young Musicians and the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. He has performed nationally with the Perfect Fourth Quartet through the Sphinx Organization. After training with Project 440, he co-designed a classical music presentation and presented it to Philadelphia elementary school students. Peirce has attended numerous summer music programs, including Meadowmount and Boston University Tanglewood Institute. One of his most memorable musical experiences was playing at the White House for Michelle Obama. Outside of music, Peirce enjoys basketball and working for social justice.

Braden appeared on From the Top’s “Blanket Fort Show”, which first aired the week of April 27, 2020. He returned with an original composition on Show 391, airing November 9, 2020.

Braden Ellis (double bass), 18, hails from Broomall, Pennsylvania where he takes college-credit courses and homeschools. He is a recipient of From the Top’s Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. He studies at The Juilliard School Pre-College Division with teachers Tim Cobb and Tomoya Aomori. Braden enjoys performing music of all genres. One of his favorite musical experiences has been performing at the Marion Anderson Award Gala. Braden also enjoys astronomy.