“I am attending UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music as a music education and violin performance double major. I’ve picked up viola for chamber music during my first year! (Not just because of my name, but I thought it’d be fun to expand my chamber music experiences)

Joining YOCJ definitely stirred a deep passion in me for orchestral repertoire. I hold the experiences and knowledge I gained from being in the orchestra close to my heart as I study music in college. One of the greatest things I learned during my enrollment is the importance of connecting with everyone around me as I play my instrument: my peers, the conductor, and the audience. I learned so much about communicating musically and understanding each other without words. I look up to Mr. Pugh and Mr. End as great musical mentors (as well as conductors) and I will always be grateful for the education I received during my time with YOCJ.”