Solomon Makonnen, from Plano, Texas, is a talented musician who grew up surrounded by music. Inspired by his uncles playing together, he began his music career and is now proficient in multiple instruments. His uncle, Dereje Makonnen, a two-time Grammy-winning keyboardist with Ziggy Marley, is his biggest inspiration. Solomon is a two-time TMEA All-State Musician and TSSEC exemplary soloist on Contrabass Clarinet and Bass Clarinet. He was ranked the No. 1 Bass Clarinet player in the State of Texas in the 2023 TMEA audition cycle. Now, he is studying neuroscience to become a Neuroradiologist and strives to combine the world of music and medicine.

Solomon is excited to bring fresh and innovative ideas to COSA through social media and the website to reflect the orchestra's striving for excellence.