New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra - Class of 2025

Danielle Adcock (bassoon, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Bergen County Academies, where she was a member of the Tri-M National Music Honor Society and received the Bergen County Unsung Heroes Award. She also performed in the BCA Concert Band, Orchestra, Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, Concert Choir, and Chamber Choir. Danielle will attend the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University to major in bassoon performance.

“I have loved being in the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra the past two years and wish I found this ensemble sooner. I have made so many friends within this ensemble and my musicianship is better than ever before. I'm so happy that out of all the youth ensembles in the world, I've gotten the fantabulous opportunity to be a part of this one.”

Sreesamhitha Bhamidipati (viola, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Mahwah High School, where she performed with the Mahwah High School Orchestra and Select Strings. She also participated in North Jersey Region I Orchestra and the Bergen Youth Orchestra. Sreesamhitha will attend Dartmouth College to major in economics and math.

“Being a part of the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has allowed me to grow in my musical abilities and challenge myself. I have been able to play amazing repertoire with so many talented peers while having fun as a part of this supportive community.

I would like to thank the conductors, coaches, and coordinators who make these moments possible. I also give thanks to my parents and my sister for supporting me in continuing my musical journey throughout school.”

Isabella Francisco (double bass, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of East Brunswick High School, where she earned high honors. She will attend Johns Hopkins University to major in computer engineering.

“During my time participating in the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, I gained more than just musical experience. It gave me the opportunity to work with my friends and new companions and mentor my peers. It changed the way I think about music entirely.”

Leon Guo (clarinet, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Livingston High School. He will attend Oberlin Conservatory to major in clarinet performance.

“My two years in the Academy Orchestra have been transformative. I've learned so much about playing in an ensemble from my coaches and from Maestro Diego García. Being able to play alongside New Jersey Symphony members was invaluable for my musical development!”

Alexandra Jacobstein (French horn, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Montclair High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She also performed with the Montclair High School concert band and marching band. Alexandra will attend Colby College to major in environmental science.

“I have loved my time in Academy Orchestra. Over the past three years I have learned so much about music performance and technique, and it has been an honor to play among such talented musicians.

A special thank you to Maestro García, Andrea Menousek, Sue Panny, and Ms. Borowski!”

Ethan Kim (cello, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Wayne Hills High School, where he was named an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Merit Scholarship Commended Student, and a BURGER KING Scholar. His academic achievements include first place in the Caribou Senior Coding and Calcrostic contests. Ethan received the Eric Epstein and Michael Epstein Scholarship from Wayne Education Foundation, and the Army ROTC Scholarship (full tuition 4-year national winner under the first board). He will attend Cornell University College of Engineering to major in operations research and engineering.

“I've been a part of the Academy Orchestra for over five years, and it has been an incredible experience. The friendships I've made, and the supportive community, have made every rehearsal and performance unforgettable. I've grown so much as a musician and person thanks to the amazing teachers and mentors.”

Matthew Klapowitz (percussion, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Northern Valley Reginal High School in Old Tappan. He was a member of the JCC Thurnauer School of Music percussion ensemble and orchestra. Matthew will attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in computer science.

“The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra is the best experience, challenging and fun without being intense. I loved performing on stage as the "opening act" for the real Symphony!! Our Symphony percussion coach was great to work with. I also made friends that I will keep after I graduate. Thank you so much for the opportunity and I hope college Orchestra is as good.”

Allison Lee (violin/concertmaster, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of East Brunswick High School. She was a Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist and International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist, and performed with the NAfME All-National Symphony Orchestra, NJMEA All-State Orchestra, and CJMEA Region Orchestra. Allison will attend Johns Hopkins University to major in physics.

“Playing in the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra was one of the highlights of my high school career, and I looked forward to rehearsal every week. In addition to developing my musicianship, the orchestra introduced me to some of my closest friends. I am especially grateful to Ms. Borowski, Mr. Andersen, and Maestro Garcia for making this a wonderful experience.”

Ethan McCarter (French horn, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Suffern High School. He participated in the Boston University Tanglewood Institute band and orchestra. Ethan received the Morning Music Scholarship and will attend Northwestern University to major in music education and French horn performance.

“I really enjoyed my time at the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra. It taught me so much about how to be a good ensemble member. Working with the coaches every week was super valuable and they taught me how to have a better understanding of style of the varied types of music we played.”

Evan Nguyen (violin, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Saint Peter’s Preparatory School. He will attend Princeton University to major in molecular biology.

“The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra was not merely a place to improve my musicianship and violin skills, but also a place where I found a community of amazing people and built friendships that extended beyond orchestra. I’ve grown so much through this program, whether through playing new repertoire or learning from incredible mentors. I would like to thank Maestro García, Maestro Domínguez, Ms. Youngstein, Mr. Sweet, Ms. Joanna, and everyone else who made my experience here so memorable.”

Patrick Penafiel (cello, Training Ensemble) is a graduate of Gill St. Bernard’s School. He will attend Seton Hall University to major in finance and accounting and aspires to give back to his community as a Financial Advisor.

“Music has always been a passion for me. In the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, I got to continue my passion as well as grow as a person and musician. I am grateful for my teachers and peers that push me to always be better and persevere to continue to be successful. I’ve learned many things such as time management, problem solving, and my ongoing potential that will continue to grow. Thank you.”

Alexander Pola (violin, Training Ensemble) is a graduate of St. Peter’s Preparatory School, where he performed with the jazz and concert bands. He received the Naval ROTC Scholarship and RIT Performing Arts Scholarship and will attend Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to major in biochemistry.

“The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra was a great help in creating a strong foundation in music. These skills helped me learn to solo in jazz band and created a strong foundation for AP Music Theory.”

Aidan Reilly (percussion, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Clifton High School, where he served as president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and was a member of the National Honor Society and English National Honor Society. He also performed with the Mustang Marching Band and the CHS Pit Band, Jazz Band, Brass Band, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra. Aidan also served as Section Leader, Rank Sargent, and Drill Instructor of the percussion section for the Mustang Marching Band. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and was awarded Distinguished Academic Achievement for all four years. Aidan will attend The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) to major in counseling and clinical psychology.

“Throughout my experience the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has been wondrous in showing me the joy and love of music. I can’t thank enough the staff and friends I made for helping me every step of the way.”

Liani San Pedro (viola, Repertory Orchestra) is a graduate of New Milford High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Mandarin Honor Society. She also participated in the New Milford High School Orchestra, Chorus Ensemble, and Chorus, and performed with the Paramus Pops Orchestra and Bergen County String Quartet. Liani received the Girl Scout Gold Award, 2024 Discipleship Award from the Archdiocese of Newark, and the Presidential Scholarship from Union College, where she will attend to major in biochemistry.

“My experience at the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra can be summarized by two words, welcoming and mentorship. From the staff to the conductors to the professional musicians, this orchestra has done nothing but make me and my sisters feel included and welcomed. The privilege to be mentored by professionals as well as having the opportunity to mentor younger members was a wonderful experience.”

Natalie Spitzer (flute, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of River Dell High School, where she performed with the Orchestra Pit & Concert Band and was a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and French National Honor Society, earning the French Seal of Biliteracy. She also participated in chamber groups, wind symphony, and orchestra at the Evian Music Academy. Natalie received the Harriet & Edward Levy Memorial 2025 Scholarship and will attend New York University to major in flute performance.

“This year was my very first year playing in the Academy Orchestra. I played in the flute section and enjoyed working alongside the four other flutists and our flute coach, Kathleen Nester, among other wind coaches. I enjoyed playing all the repertoire and learning from Maestro García, but I was especially honored to play principal flute in Fauré’s “Pavane” this spring.”

Pauline Tsui (violin, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Indian Hills High School, where she was a 2023 Bergen County Mock Trial Finalist, a member of the Renee Fishman Chapter of the National Honor Society, an AP National Scholar with Distinction, and recognized by the College Board’s National First-Generation Recognition Program. She was also concertmaster of the school orchestra, performed in gigs at Christian Health and local churches, and served as president of Harmonic Outreach, a student-led traveling music group. Pauline will attend the University of Virginia to major in public policy and minor in either business or philosophy.

“Being part of the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra was an incredible experience where I met so many amazing friends from different counties and was supported by such a caring staff. I’m thankful for how much I grew, not only musically, but also personally, because of the people who made this program so special.

I’m especially thankful to my private teacher, Alexandra Neglia, whose constant support and guidance played a huge role in my growth; I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without her.”

Cheryl “Sirius” Yang (flute, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Secaucus High School, where they performed with the Pep Band (Drum Major), Concert Band (Flute Section Leader), Jazz Band, and Flute Quartet (Section Leader). They will attend Seton Hall University to major in physical therapy (dual degree program for Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Physical Therapy) and minor in music.

“With every weekend spent with the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, I can say it's one of my favorite times to be a musician. It's a thrilling experience to be able to play high level music with my fellow peers and friends and learn from the best mentors. I've been in this program for five years and if given the option to do it all over again, I would!

I want to shout out the wonderful staff of this program, Ms. Joanna and Mr. Sam, our wonderful flute coach, Ms. Nester, and the many volunteer parents that spent each weekend helping. Also a shout out to my parents who drove me every single weekend to Montclair for practice.”