New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra - Class of 2026

Caleb Bahn (tuba, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of West Orange High School, where he performed in the orchestra, band, and marching band. He will attend Case Western Reserve University to study biochemistry.

“I have learned much about myself and my interest in music through this program, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to perform with such great musicians. I am especially grateful to have been mentored by such excellent coaches, and to have learned more than I would have in any other environment.”

Alexandra Glassner (clarinet, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Watchung Hills Regional High School, where she served as Woodwind Captain and Drum Major of the marching band. She also performed in the wind ensemble, jazz band, orchestra, and pit orchestra, and participated in the NJSYO Klughardt Wind Quintet and CJMEA Region Band. Alexandra will attend Rutgers Business School–New Brunswick to study finance and statistics with a minor in music performance.

“The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra allowed me to meet and play with wonderful musicians. It gave me the chance to grow not only as an orchestral and chamber musician, but also as a music mentor and teacher to other music students.”

Caleb Gonzalez (bassoon and baritone saxophone, Repertory Orchestra) is a graduate of Rosa Parks Fine and Performing Arts High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society and will attend Montclair State University to study Music Education.

“I really enjoyed playing with everyone in the Orchestra, along with having the opportunity of playing my secondary instrument in said Orchestra. I started off playing the Bari Sax and ended playing the Bassoon.”

Allyson Herrera (violin, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Morristown High School. Her honors include membership in the Tri-M Music Honor Society, recognition as an American Chemical Society Project SEED Scholar, the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship, National Merit Commended Student distinction, and the New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy in French and Spanish. Allyson also performed with the Morristown High School Orchestra, Drew University Orchestra, NJSMA Region 1 Orchestra, and Delbarton Abbey Orchestra. She will attend Princeton University to major in chemistry with a minor in music performance.

“The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra was an incredibly enlightening experience that propelled my journey as a young musician. Thank you to Maestro García, Ms. Borowski, Mr. Sweet, and Ms. Youngstein for making this ensemble so special.”

Noah Kim (trumpet, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Wayne Hills High School and will attend Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences. His accomplishments include first place finishes in the 2024 New Jersey Physics Olympics, top placements in the New Jersey Science League, and holding a New Jersey state Rubik’s Cube record for one-handed solving. Noah also served as secretary of the Class of 2026 Student Council, president of the Engineering Club, and senior editor of the Patriot Press.

“It has been incredibly fun and rewarding to play in the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra and to be within its warm and welcoming community. Thanks especially to our trumpet coaches Garth Greenup, Anderson Romero, Tiago Linck, and all other coaches, helpers, friends, directors, Diego Garcia, and Joanna Borowski for making this possible!”

Owen Kwon (double bass, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of The Birch Wathen Lenox School and will attend American University to study popular music performance and enterprise.

“I played upright bass for the Repertory Orchestra my sophomore year and for the Academy Orchestra my junior and senior year. Thank you all for making it an amazing experience!”

Jose Landauro (viola, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Millburn High School. He is an Eagle Scout and has also performed with the Youth Orchestras of Essex County, as well as the Millburn High School Symphonic and Chamber Orchestras. Jose will attend Johns Hopkins University and the Peabody Conservatory to study chemistry and viola performance.

“I joined in 8th grade on viola. My favorite pieces to play were Beethoven 6 and Dvorak 8. Being in the quartet for a few years was also something I enjoyed a lot. I loved my time in the orchestra and always looked forward to rehearsal.”

Christabella Leung (violin, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Mountain Lakes High School, where she served as concertmaster of the school orchestra. She received an AP Capstone Diploma, AP Scholar with Distinction recognition, and was a three-time DECA state qualifier, in addition to being a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. Christabella will attend Boston University to major in business with a minor in music.

“I practically grew up within the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra program, and it has taught me so much and has become a part of who I am today. I will never forget the memories and friends I made along the way, and most importantly all the beautiful music that I had the opportunity in playing. I look forward to taking the musicianship that was learned at the New Jersey Symphony into future musical opportunities that lie ahead of me.”

Harry Li (French horn, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Bergen County Technical High School–Teterboro. His honors include AP Scholar with Distinction, International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition Bronze Honor, and the Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Award from 2023–2025. He also earned Third Prize in the Charleston International Music Competition for piano performance and participated in Bergen Tech Jazz Band and Fort Lee Marching Band. Harry will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst to study mechanical engineering.

“Being in the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra allowed me to perform in a professional setting where I get to learn with and play with students and mentors at a very high level. It also allowed me to meet new people and maintain friendships through shared experiences, where I can be a part of a community built on passion and professionalism.”

Leo Li (bassoon, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Bergen County Academies and will attend the Rutgers School of Engineering Honors College to study electrical and computer engineering. His honors include the Dean’s Scholarship for the Rutgers School of Engineering, the NYIT Research Grant Award, the Yale Science and Engineering Association Award for Research, and the President’s Volunteer Service Award (two Gold and one Silver).

“Two years ago, I joined as a second-chair bassoonist in the Academy Orchestra where I encountered the New Jersey Symphony for the very first time. The repertoire was unlike any that I played in school, and the complexities within the music and dedication of the musicians in this ensemble persuaded me to stick around until the end of my senior year of high school—where I will certainly miss the students and mentors as I move into adulthood.”

Sophie Lu (violin, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Millburn High School and will attend King’s College London to study international business.

“Throughout my years at the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, I've met so many people, made so many friends, and have grown not only as a musician, but also as a person. Being surrounded by such passionate and talented peers constantly inspires me to push myself and enjoy every moment of creating music together.”

Kaya Oguz (violin, Repertory Orchestra) is a graduate of Franklin School. Kaya received the College Board National Recognition Program Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement and the AP Scholar with Honor Award. Kaya will attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to pursue a joint major in mathematics and economics, with anticipated minors in data science, statistics, and musicology.

“My favorite part of the week was getting drive to Montclair, especially when it was pretty during the spring, and seeing my friends; and like clockwork getting Millburn Deli straight after rehearsals finished. I enjoyed playing the amazing repertoire Ms. On prepared, who always tried to challenge and reward us with playing iconic pieces.”

Taylor Peavy (viola, Repertory Orchestra) is a graduate of McNair Academic High School and will attend SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry to study natural resource management.

“This place helped me become more confident in my playing. Everyone was super nice, and it introduced me to new pieces I wouldn't have otherwise listened to. It was definitely a step outside of my comfort zone, but I'm ultimately glad I got the opportunity to be in this program!”

Heidi Tsai (violin, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Hanover Park High School. She is a National Merit Finalist, a member of the National Honor Society, and performed in the NJ All-State Orchestra. Heidi will attend Purdue University to study engineering.

“I’ve really enjoyed my years with the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra. I appreciated the great music and loving community that fostered my growth as a musician and as a person. Thank you to everyone within the orchestra and those working behind the scenes as well.”

Haley Vallecillo (violin, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of PCTI STEM Academy and plans to attend college to study music therapy. She also performed with Silk City Symphony.

“This is a great program to be a part of, and the staff show consistent support towards students. My experience in the Academy Orchestra pushes me to be a better musician and grow my musical technique.”

Sadie Valencia (cello, Repertory Orchestra) is a graduate of Wayne Hills High School. Her honors include D1 fencing, the Italian National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, and Athlete of the Month recognition. She also performed with Caldwell Honors Band and Patriot 5. Sadie will attend Fairleigh Dickinson University to study cybersecurity.

“I started coming to the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra when I was in second grade, helping my mom set up the snacks for the kids. When Mr. Thornhill found out I played cello, he asked me to join the Training Ensemble. From there, I continued my journey here through the String Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and now Repertory Orchestra over the past 10 years.”

Kimberly Nicole Vito (violin, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Saint Vincent Academy. She is a recipient of the $500 Big Future Scholarship and the Gio Maione Prima Foundation Scholarship. Kimberly will attend Kean Jersey City to study computer science and cybersecurity.

“It’s been like yesterday when I was on Zoom, doing virtual rehearsals and semi-private lessons. My experience with the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra helped me grow in confidence, both in school and as a musician. Over the past six years, working with the New Jersey Symphony musicians has been one of the greatest honors I have had.”

Sabrina Wang (violin, Academy Orchestra) is a graduate of Chatham High School and will attend Bowdoin College.

“Being part of the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to grow both musically and personally within such a supportive community. Thank you to the dedicated staff and the friends I’ve made for making this experience so memorable.”

Amber Williams (bass clarinet, TE Winds and Bridge Ensemble) is a graduate of Passaic County Technical Institute and will attend Montclair State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in jurisprudence, Law & Society and a combined master’s degree in law & governance.

“The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has truly given me a community that I can rely on. I really appreciate all my coaches, conductors, and friends who have supported me in everything I have done.”