New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra - Class of 2024

Vihaan Agarwal (viola, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of John F. Kennedy Memorial High School, where he served as president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, tenor section leader and choir president for Concert Choir and A Cappella Choir and performed in marching band and drama productions. He also participated in CJMEA and All-State Chorus. Vihaan received the Dean’s Scholarship, and will attend Rutgers Business School—New Brunswick to major in finance with a minor in music.

“I remember sitting in the back of the viola section on the day of the first rehearsal, and I was astounded by the rich sound of the orchestra tuning and warming up. The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has been one of the best musical experiences of my life, as it was the first time I was surrounded by talented and like-minded musicians from all over the state. Whether playing Beethoven's Sixth Symphony or Jurassic Park, I will remember these music making memories for the rest of my life.

Special thanks to my parents for dropping me off and picking me up from classes and rehearsals for the past thirteen years and to Mr. Andersen for being a patient and knowledgeable viola coach.”

Hafsa Balki (violin, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Wayne Valley High School, where she received the AP Scholar Award, and will attend Rutgers University—New Brunswick to major in biomedical science.

“The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra allowed me to grow not only as a musician, but as an individual. I am grateful for the coaches who pushed us beyond our capabilities to unlock our full potential! Special thanks to Ms. Ming Yang and Ms. Naomi Youngstein.”

Michael Forde (double bass, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Tenafly High School and will attend Columbia University to major in computer science. He also participated in the Tenafly High School Philharmonic Orchestra, New Jersey Wind Symphony, and New Jersey All-State Orchestra.

“My experience in the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has been a defining period of growth both as a musician and a person. I have learned so much from the phenomenal conductors and coaches. I’m excited to continue my musical development in college and beyond and the skills that I have gained from the orchestras will provide me with the ability to play in any ensemble.

Thanks to the amazing support from my Youth Orchestra family including the amazing coaches, conductors, faculty, and volunteers that have guided me throughout my musical journey. I will cherish the last eight years I spent in this program. Thanks to all the great friends and mentors I met through the youth orchestra!”

Andrew Ikemoto (cello, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of John P. Stevens High School and will attend Rutgers University to major in mechanical engineering.

“I had fun playing with the orchestra and learning music composition under Maestro Domínguez. Thanks for the opportunities! Special thanks to Maestro Domínguez, Maestro García, Mrs. Wan-Yi Pan, Dr. Verdi, Mr. Lee, Ms. Borowski, Mom, and Dad.”

Nathan Lee (trumpet, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and will attend New York University to major in biochemistry.

“The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has truly been such an amazing part of my high school experience, giving me the chance to explore different music and build new friendships. I will forever be indebted to the musical knowledge and overall lessons learned from friends, coaches, and our maestros.

Special thanks to my parents for sacrificing so much to make me the musician I am today.”

Timothy Lien (clarinet, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Livingston High School, where he played in the Wind Symphony, and will attend Cornell University to major in computer science. Timothy was also 1st chair clarinet for New Jersey All-State and New Jersey Region 1 Bands, the 2023 Henry Lewis Concerto Competition winner, and the New Jersey Wind Symphony Soloist Competition winner.

“Having been with the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra since eighth grade, much of my growth as a musician can be attributed to my peers and coaches. I am super thankful for the learning environment in this program as it gave me something to look forward to each week.

Special thanks to JLD and Maestro Diego García for their professional yet entertaining conducting styles; Andy Lamy (pictured) for teaching and guiding me in clarinet performance; Joanna Borowski for coordinating our events; and my parents for supporting my musical journey both emotionally and financially.”

Aiden Lu (trombone, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Newark Academy and will attend Emory University to major in economics.

“From the moment I joined the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, I knew it was the right place for me. It has truly been one of the best experiences that I have had throughout my time in high school, and I am glad to be part of such a great group.

Special thanks to my parents and my sisters for always supporting me.”

Olivia Manchand (oboe, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Mountain Lakes High School and will attend Smith College to major in political science.

“I have grown so much as a musician, and I have loved coming to a space where we all care so much about our work and becoming the best we can as an orchestra. Everyone is so amazing and each brings their expertise and efforts to make it an incredible program.

I want to give a special thank you to our coaches and conductors and organizers who work so hard to make this such a fun and collaborative experience. I have learned so much and I have improved so much as a musician and person.”

Kevin Moon (oboe, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Ramsey High School and will attend University of Rochester to major in electrical engineering with a minor in music. Kevin was awarded silver in the 2021 NJMED Solo Festival, and also performed with the Bergen County Band, and Region 1 and All-State Bands.

“Looking back at my experience in the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, I see that I've grown a lot from this program. I was able to not only improve my playing skills and experience tons of challenges, but I also was able to grow as a person.

Special thanks to my teachers for helping me learn a lot from playing music and preparing for bigger musical events.”

Aysha Penafiel (cello, Training Ensemble) is a graduate of Gill St. Bernard, where she received the Presidential Scholarship, and will attend Seton Hall University to major in biology (pre-medical track).

“I’ve had the best experience with the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra and unwavering support from all the teachers, staff, and my peers. I will miss the orchestra!

I want to thank Mr. Sam, Ms. Joanna, Mr. Thornhill, Ms. Sasha, and Ms. DoYeon, for helping me expand my love of music through one of the best instruments in the world, the cello. Words can’t even explain how grateful I am to have this once in a lifetime opportunity to play in the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra with all my peers, mentors and teachers. These have been the best four years and will truly be missed. Although I will be majoring in biology/pre-med in college, I will never forget about the one thing that brings me peace: music. I hope to continue my cello playing or singing.

I would also like to thank my mom, dad and grandma who have supported me through this journey whether by pushing me to do my best or just sitting in the audience watching me perform. I want to give a special shoutout to my brother, Patrick, who was there with me the very first time I picked up a cello and who has grown his talents alongside me.”

Ammy Peralta (violin, Training Ensemble) is a graduate of Lacordaire Academy and will attend Rutgers University—Newark to major in biology (pre-health track) with a minor in social justice. Ammy also received NJ Cops 4 Kids Essex County Chapter and Newark Hispanic Heritage Month scholarships and was named Miss Newark USA 2023.

“Overall, the years I have spent in the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra have been amazing. I have been able to make longtime friends while still learning more about my instrument. I have so many wonderful memories that were made during my Saturday classes, which I will forever keep in my heart. My love for music has grown throughout the years that I've been in the program. The amazing support that I have received from all my teachers really pushed me to try to improve every week. I am grateful for this amazing opportunity, and it will always have a special place in my heart.

I would like to thank Ms. Joanna, Mr. Sam, Mr. T, Ms. Aurora, and Ms. Yoojin.”

Jaziah “Saiah” Pickering (violin, String Ensemble) is a graduate of Arts High School and will attend Ramapo College of New Jersey to major in biology.

“The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has been a major contributor to my developmental journey as a youth, student, and artist. The friends and knowledge, trial and errors, discussions and overall experience are profound and unique. The intersectionality of art, creativity, community and teamwork all meet at the heart of our diverse symphonic home where I learned to love not only music and notes but the emotion and connections along the way.

Thank you, Mister Sam, Ms. Yoojin, Mr. Thornhill, Ms. Joanna, and Ms. Youngstein, for being splendid support systems. All of you work as a unit to assist, educate and build a community of many likeminded but diverse and dedicated youth. I applaud and appreciate you all from the first time I joined in 5th grade through my senior year, as I depart with memories, emotional connections, and skills I’ll cherish!”

Sanda Rakotobe-Joel (violin, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Bergen County Academies, where she was a member of the National French Honor Society, and will attend Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University to major in violin performance. Sanda was named 2023 Bergen Youth Orchestra Concert Competition winner and 2024 Henry Lewis Concerto Competition runner-up.

“Being part of the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has been an enjoyable experience. Performing and playing with other talented students was very inspiring and I am grateful for this opportunity.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me through my journey in music and outside of music including my parents, my private teacher, and my string quartet coach.”

Niles Scott (double bass, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Columbia High School and will attend the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University to major in music education. Niles was also a member of Virtuosi Chamber Ensemble, Masterworks Chamber Orchestra, Harambee Chamber Orchestra, and Ravinia Youth Symphony Orchestra.

“I've enjoyed my time in the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra. Everyone, from the staff to the faculty to my fellow players, was incredibly supportive and kind. Being part of such a welcoming environment has helped me progress significantly as a musician, pushing me to hone my skills and develop a deeper appreciation for orchestral music.

Special thanks to my family, Maestro García, Maestro Thornhill, Mr. Sam McDonald, my bass coach Tom Forletti!!, Briana Almonte, and Kelvin Guillen.”

Celine Shon (violin, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Riverdale Country School. She was a USABO Semi-Finalist (2023) and received Honorable Mention in the American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music (2023). Celine was also awarded 2nd place in the National Artists Competition (2022), New York Artists International Competition (2022), and East Coast International Competition (2022), and received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (Gold) in 2022.

“Since joining in 6th grade, the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has played an incredibly impactful role in my musical journey and development. Beyond simply improving my musical skills, I've learned the value of shared passion and growth with like-minded peers. My experiences here are something I will continue to carry on throughout my life, and I am incredibly grateful to this program and everyone who makes it possible.

I would like to thank my parents for supporting my passion for music through the countless hours spent driving to and from rehearsals, as well as my teacher for pushing me and helping me improve to become the musician I am today. I would also like to thank Maestro Diego García, my coaches, Ms. Borowski, and the other conductors for making the past seven years an incredible experience.”

Justeen Valere (cello, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Perth Amboy High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and will attend the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University to major in music education. She was part of the Cali Pathways Project and performed in the Curtland E. Fields Ensemble and Harambee Chamber Orchestra.

“Joining the Academy Orchestra in my junior year of high school was my first experience playing in an orchestra. Throughout this experience, I learned so many different techniques and aspects of musicianship and have had so much fun playing a wide variety of repertoire! The great times and all the wonderful people I have met during this program will always be something I hold dear to my heart.

Thank you to all the conductors, coaches, and staff that help make the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra program happen. I am so thankful for all your hard work!”

Niharika Wangikar (flute, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Millburn High School, where she was a member of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Orchestra, and conducted the Pep Band, and will attend Wellesley College to major in biochemistry and music. Niharika received the St. Michael’s College Book Award and the Spanish Seal of Biliteracy.

“The sense of community I've felt at the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra is like no other - I have made close friends with so many talented musicians and received a level support and encouragement that is difficult to find anywhere else. Every person I have met is encouraging and kind and has strengthened my resolve to keep music a part of my life, no matter where I end up. Although I have only been part of the program for 2 years, the time I spent here was extremely special and I will always remember it.

I would like to thank my private teacher, Jill Sokol - she supports me in all my endeavors, both musical and non-musical, and has been an amazing mentor and dear friend - and my parents and sister, who have invested so much in my musical education and continue to motivate me to work hard as a musician. I would also like to thank Ms. Nester, whose coaching has helped me grow so much as a flutist and whose playing is a constant inspiration. Finally, I would like to thank Maestro Domínguez, Maestro García, Ms. Borowski, and all the Youth Orchestra staff who make my Saturday mornings the best part of the week.”

Annamaria Witek (cello, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Tappan Zee High School, where she performed in the Tappan Zee High School Orchestras and BridgeMusik, and will attend the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University to major in music performance. Annamaria was named the 2024 Henry Lewis Concerto Competition winner, and was also a prize winner in Prima Volta, ECI and New York Young Artists International Competitions.

“The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra was the most amazing youth orchestra that I have ever been part of and I will carry the memories that I created here with me for my entire life. The experience of playing in the Anne Lieberson Quartet gave me such incredible opportunities. I met amazing people in this program, and I am extremely grateful.

Special thanks to Mr. Andersen, Maestro García, Mr. Lee, Kelvin Guillen, Ms. Borowski and Mr. McDonald.”