New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra - Class of 2023

Gael Barker (violin) is a graduate of Montclair High School and will attend George Washington University to major in international relations. Gael is a member of the Academy Orchestra and has been in the program for eight years.    

“I first joined the program when I was ten years old and I moved up through the different orchestras. Not only have I been exposed to all sorts of music, techniques, and composers, but I've met so many new people and have made many friends. I've enjoyed every second of my time playing music and being a part of the Youth Orchestra family - I'll never forget my time here.

I want to thank all of the staff, coaches and conductors of the ensembles who helped and believed in me, and who enabled me to progress all the way from Training Ensemble to first violin of Academy Orchestra. I want to thank my fellow members of the orchestra who have made me felt like I belonged, inspired me and helped me to grow. Special thanks to Ms. Youngstein who not only was the conductor of String Ensemble during my time there, but who has been my private teacher for the past few years and the person who has helped me achieve so much. Lastly, I want to thank both my parents and my sister for their unfailing support, as well as my extended family in Guyana and in the United States.”

Ashita Birla (violin) is a graduate of McNair Academic High School and will attend Duke University to major in computer science and economics with a minor in music. Ashita is a member of Academy Orchestra and has been in the program for seven years.

“I would like to thank Maestro Domínguez, Mr. Martin Andersen (my music teacher), and Ms. Joanna for always guiding me in my musical journey in innovative and exciting ways!

My experience at New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra was filled with unexpected but welcome surprises -- from exciting practices with wonderful friends I made along the way to learning how to compose entire scores from just three notes! I have learned so much about the magic of music during my time here and can't wait to dive deeper in my future education.”

Caroleena Fernandez-Chousal (violin) is a graduate of Diana C. Lobosco STEM Academy in Wayne, where she was accepted to the World Language Honor Society. She will attend Rutgers University to major in biomedical engineering (and hopes to join the Rutgers Symphony Orchestra!) Caroleena has also participated in the New Jersey Arco Youth Orchestra. She is a member of the Academy Orchestra and has been in the program for seven years.

“The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has brought a lot of happiness and wonderful experiences. Playing classical music has always been enjoyable but playing and connecting with others through music has made the experience much more amazing and special. I hope that future students here can experience the magic I did all these years.

I would love to thank my all coaches for not only making classical music fun but also encouraging me to keep practicing and exploring challenging repertoire. Even when times were difficult over the pandemic, they kept me engaged and didn’t give up on me or my peers. Of course, I very much appreciate the many times my parents drove me to and from rehearsal and all the times they cheered me on in the audience at performances! I couldn’t have progressed as a musician nor could I have had these wonderful seven years without any of my mentors and family there for me.”

Samantha Huerta (violin) is a graduate of Wayne Hills High School, where she played in the Wayne Hills Concert Band. She will attend the University of Delaware to major in exercise science. Samantha has also received the Delaware Scholar Award and the National Hispanic Recognition Award. She is a member of the Academy Orchestra and has been in the program for three years.

“The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has been one of the rewarding experiences that I've had in high school. I will always be grateful for my memories and my time here at Youth Orchestra.

Special thanks to Kathleen Nester, who worked so hard with our team of composers during the pandemic!”

Michael Minenna (trumpet) is a graduate of Morris Knolls High School, where he was Drum Major of the Golden Eagles Marching Band for three years. He will attend Michigan State University to major in trumpet performance (with the goal to play in a symphony orchestra!) Michael is an Eagle Scout, a member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. He also participated in the 2023 All-Eastern Symphonic Band and NJ All-State Wind Ensemble, and the 2022 NJ All-State Orchestra and All-State Symphonic Band. Michael is a member of the Academy Orchestra and has been in the program for two years; he was named 2nd runner-up in the 2022 Henry Lewis Concerto Competition.

“Everyone in the Academy Orchestra, whether they are a musician, a coach, or a staff member, is extremely encouraging and helps you to excel at your craft. I never believed I would play with such amazing musicians during high school. The Academy Orchestra helped me realize that orchestral performance is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Special thanks to Bob Ferrel, my private instructor since 4th grade, for teaching me the techniques I needed and nurturing my love of playing; and to Garth Greenup, my Academy Orchestra coach, for helping me realize I wanted to pursue music performance for my career.”

Megan Newton (flute) is a graduate of Bergen County Academies, where she was accepted to National Honor Society and National French Honor Society. She will attend New York University to major in biology (pre-medical track). Megan is a member of the Academy Orchestra and the Academy Wind Quintet and has been in the program for four years.

“I entered the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra playing flute in 2019, my freshman year of high school. I was overjoyed to be participating in such an amazing program. Four years later, I reflect upon how much I have learned and how my skills as a musician have improved, grateful for the time I have spent at the Youth Orchestra.

Ms. Nester - thank you for always supporting me and helping me become a better player, I am so grateful for all of your advice, tips, and support! Mr. Lamy - thank you for your kindness at Bring a Buddy Day 2019, I truly felt welcomed in the orchestra and was excited to learn and play with the orchestra! Maestro - thank you so much for being such an amazing conductor, I’m so happy I was able to learn from you and make amazing music with you.”

Christina Nicolau (oboe) is a graduate of Bergen County Academies and will attend Northeastern University to major in marine biology and data science. Christina is a member of the Academy Orchestra and has been in the program for three years.

“It has been amazing to play in an orchestra with such an amazing conductor and such amazing students. I have not only learned so much about the importance of playing together as a whole orchestra, but also had fun while learning. The Youth Orchestra has truly given me the best opportunity to grow and thrive as an oboe player.

I would like to say thank you to my parents for supporting me throughout the years and buying an endless number of oboe reeds, and also to my oboe teacher who has helped me grow exponentially as a musician from my first year of middle school through my last year of high school. I’d also like to thank Maestro Domínguez, Ms. Borowski and all of the conductors and coaches that have made Youth Orchestra such an amazing experience for the past three years, from the selected music to the numerous different workshops that have helped us learn as young instrumentalists.”

Marisa Olavarria (violin) is a graduate of Union County Vocational Technical High School and will attend Rutgers University to major in animal science (pre-veterinary track). She was selected to Honors College and won the Dean’s List Scholarship. Marisa is a member of the Chamber Orchestra and has been in the program for eight years.

“Since 5th grade, the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has given me so many opportunities to be inspired by music and love what I was capable of doing. I am who I am today because I was pushed to follow my heart and never accept any limits. My amazing conductors and teachers over the years have always wanted the best for me and have guided me to achieving that. The experience I had with Youth Orchestra is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Throughout the many years I have shared my passion of playing music with others, I have learned to appreciate those who have always supported me. I would like to give a special thanks to my parents for always being there to motivate me and push me to be the best I can be. I also would not be the person I am today without my amazing teachers and conductors who knew that I had the potential to do great things musically. I also could not forget to thank my friends and family who have watched me grow, and always wanted to come out and see my accomplishments.”

Andrew Reza (viola) is a graduate of Sparta High School and will attend Georgia Tech to major in nuclear engineering. He is a National Commended Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, and received High Honors at Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. Andrew is a member of the Academy Orchestra and has been in the program for four years.    

“My time at the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra will stay with me for many years to come. More than a place to play, the orchestra gave me a place to grow with peers of aligned ambitions.

Mr. Anderson was instrumental to the progress I made, demonstrating patience and kindness in both times of success and struggle.”

Mirella Richard (violin) is a graduate of Montville Township High School and will attend Rutgers University to major in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Mirella is a member of the Academy Orchestra and has been in the program for six years.    

“It has been a great few years with the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra. I have enjoyed being part of Chamber Orchestra and Academy Orchestra, getting the chance to learn about composition and become a better player. Special thank you to Mr. Kao, Mr. Domínguez, Ms. Youngstein, and all the coaches.”

Kayla Wang (oboe) is a graduate of Millburn High School and will attend Brown University to major in computer science and economics. She also participated in the 2023 All-Eastern Honors Orchestra. Kayla is a member of the Academy Orchestra and the Academy Wind Quintet and has been in the program for four years.

“This program has helped me grow so much, not just as a musician but also as a person. Saturday morning rehearsals have always been the highlight of my week and I will dearly miss this community that has given me so much. 

I'd like to thank my parents who have always nurtured and been supportive of my passion for music. Thank you to Maestro Domínguez and all the coaches who have taught me so much in the past few years. I'm incredibly grateful to this program and everyone who makes it possible.”

Kevin Xu (clarinet) is a graduate of Millburn High School and will attend Duke University to major in mechanical engineering. Kevin is a member of the Academy Orchestra and the Academy Wind Quintet and has been in the program for five years.

“My experiences in Academy Orchestra have been some of my favorite times in recent memory. The repertoire, the people, and the performances have all been both immensely fun and educational, and I'm so glad I got to experience it. Special thanks to Andy Lamy, Bob Wagner and José Luis Domínguez.”