Marcus was born in New York. He is a thirteen-year-old violinist. Marcus enjoys playing violin. His musical journey started at age four and a half with his violin teacher Ms. Jungwon Yoon. He is currently a student at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program Division. Marcus has been selected to earn full scholarships from the Chloe Kiffer Precollege Scholarship and the Kate Bamberger Memorial Violin Scholarship at MSM. He has participated and received awards in local and international competition since 2023. Some of the competitions are the Camerata Artists International Competition Concerto (2023 and 2024), Prima Volta Music Competition (2023), the 16th Edition of the Arthur Grumiaux International Violin Competition Category II 2024 (Brussel, Belgium), the Piccolo Violino Magico International Competition 2024 (San Vito al Tagliamento, Italy), the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division Symphony Strings Concerto Competition (2024). He has performed concert at the Carnegie Hall as the 1st prize award winner. He also participated in the master class with Shlomo Mintz and Yvonne Lam.

Caitlin Wang, a 15-year-old pianist and violinist from San Diego, is an award-winning musician with numerous international accolades. She began piano at four and violin at five, winning Most Promising Talent at eight and 1st place at the Burgos International Music Festival at nine. She has since earned top prizes at the Young Soloist International Music Competition, Music International Grand Prix, American Protege, London Young Musician, and Clara Schumann International Competition. In 2025, Caitlin won 1st place in the MTAC Concerto Competition and has performed as a soloist at Teatro Alfieri in Italy. She has participated in prestigious international festivals in Italy and Spain and earned full scholarships to the SDYS Symphony Orchestra and Interlochen Arts Camp. Beyond competitions, Caitlin is passionate about using music for a cause. She has raised $15,000 for UCSD’s Autism Center of Excellence through charity concerts and frequently performs at community events. A dedicated and well-rounded artist, she also enjoys tennis, swimming, and ballet. With her exceptional talent and commitment, Caitlin continues to captivate audiences and establish herself as a rising star in the classical music world.

I started playing the violin and piano at age four. I have accomplished Certificate of Merit Level 10 Piano in 2023. For the violin, I won numerous awards over the years including the most recent Young Soloist International Competition 2024 (2nd place), The Opus Music Competition 2024 (3rd place in First Round State Competition) moving onto the Nationals next month, SYMF (1st in 2024 and 3rd in 2021 both for Baroque Category, 3rd in 2024 for Qualified Category, 3rd in 2020 Open Category), Charleston 19th Century Music Competition (1st in both 2024 and 2022), Altair Int’l Music Competition (1st place Mozart Category 2022, 3rd place Baroque Category 2021), Prima Volta Music Competition (1st place 2021), Golden Classical Music Awards Int’l Competition (1st place – winner’s recital at Carnegie Hall in Dec 2022), and Grand Prize in Young Musician Competition in 2018. In school, I immersed myself in every musical opportunity available, from chamber orchestra to drumline as a keyboardist. I have also participated in the school spring musicals playing synth for Mean Girls in 2023, Shrek in 2024, and currently practicing for the musical SpongeBob coming up next month. I am currently a member of Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, playing 1st violin.

Sehyun Lee is a member of Tenafly High School's orchestra, and currently attends the Manhattan School of Music. She is currently winning prizes in various competitions and doing volunteer work.

Lily Yang is a spirited nine-year-old violinist who began her musical journey at the age of five. Now in her fourth year of studying the violin, Lily has developed a strong passion for music and a dedication to honing her craft. She currently plays as a Violin I member of the California Youth Symphony’s Intermezzo Strings Ensemble, where she enjoys collaborating with fellow young musicians and exploring a variety of orchestral works. Lily’s enthusiasm for the violin shines through both in rehearsals and on stage. In addition to her ensemble commitments, she loves practicing at home, sharing mini-performances with her family, and continually challenging herself to improve her technique.

First Prize at the Van Bach International Music Competition Temple University’s Center for Gifted Young Musicians music prep program since September 2024

Nicole Choo, a junior at Paramus High School, is the first chair violist in her school and ARCO ensembles. NJMEA Region Orchestra member 2021–2025. Her quartet won 2nd in the 2024 ASTA Competition.

Ian Bang is an accomplished violist and violinist with extensive experience in ensembles and competitions. He is a member of the New York Youth Symphony Chamber, where he play in a string quartet performing works such as Dvořák’s American and Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 2. He was also the Principal Viola of the Camerata Youth Orchestra, regularly performing at nursing homes and senior centers. Additionally, he leads the Bergen County Young Musicians, preparing solo pieces and creating activity workbooks for dementia patients. He has earned top placements in prestigious competitions, including First Place in the VIVO International Music Competition (2024) and the Manhattan International Music Competition (2021). Other accolades include Second Place in the Prima Volta Music Competition (2023) and American Protege (2023), as well as Third Place in the New York Virtuoso International Competition (2021). His musical education includes training at the Echo Music School and Festival, where he receives private lessons in viola and violin, and his current studies at the Manhattan School of Music Symphony Orchestra.

Daniel Yoo, a 7th grader, has been a cellist since the age of 5 and he is currently studying with Gloria dePasquale. He is a highly accomplished cellist with a remarkable competition record and extensive orchestral experience. He has earned numerous first-place competition. His performance records are equally impressive, with appearances at Weill Hall and Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, and Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center. He attended Heifetz International Music Institute in the summer program of last year with a Merit Scholarship.

Jacob Chang is a high school junior who lives in New Jersey, USA. He enjoys playing the cello at his school and in his community.

Advanced cello performer, orchestra section leader, and competition winner. Performed at Carnegie Hall and significant venues and was accepted into AMIS, KIMEA, and CT Northern State Festival.

Youran was born into a musically gifted family. His father is the Assistant Principal Double Bass of the China Philharmonic Orchestra. His grandfather was the Principal Cello of the Zhengzhou Song and Dance Theater, Henan Province. Youran showed strong interest and passion in music and drama when he was young. He started learning piano when he was five years old, playing cello at age of seven and double bass at eleven with his father. Youran loves to do charity works and proudly became a member of the Chinese Children’s Charity Rescue Foundation. He also involved into its performing art and performed several shows for charity fundraising. In 2023, Youran became an international student at Benowa State School. While he is trying his hardest to learn English and adapting to the unfamiliar environment, also he enjoys being a valuable cello player of Benowa Senior String Ensemble. Currently Youran plays grade 7/8 level on cello and weekly lessons with Mrs. Belinda Manwaring.

Youran was born into a musically gifted family. His father is the Assistant Principal Double Bass of the China Philharmonic Orchestra. His grandfather was the Principal Cello of the Zhengzhou Song and Dance Theater, Henan Province. Youran showed strong interest and passion in music and drama when he was young. He started learning piano when he was five years old, playing cello at age of seven and double bass at eleven with his father. Youran loves to do charity works and proudly became a member of the Chinese Children’s Charity Rescue Foundation. He also involved into its performing art and performed several shows for charity fundraising. In 2023, Youran became an international student at Benowa State School. While he is trying his hardest to learn English and adapting to the unfamiliar environment, also he enjoys being a valuable cello player of Benowa Senior String Ensemble. Currently Youran plays grade 7/8 level on cello and weekly lessons with Mrs. Belinda Manwaring.

Youran was born into a musically gifted family. His father is the Assistant Principal Double Bass of the China Philharmonic Orchestra. His grandfather was the Principal Cello of the Zhengzhou Song and Dance Theater, Henan Province. Youran showed strong interest and passion in music and drama when he was young. He started learning piano when he was five years old, playing cello at age of seven and double bass at eleven with his father. Youran loves to do charity works and proudly became a member of the Chinese Children’s Charity Rescue Foundation. He also involved into its performing art and performed several shows for charity fundraising. In 2023, Youran became an international student at Benowa State School. While he is trying his hardest to learn English and adapting to the unfamiliar environment, also he enjoys being a valuable cello player of Benowa Senior String Ensemble. Currently Youran plays grade 7/8 level on cello and weekly lessons with Mrs. Belinda Manwaring.

Zhuoxin April Li, a young performer, started learning the piano at the age of five and was introduced to the Chinese Guqin at seven. Studied Zhe School Guqin for eight years under the renowned Chinese Guqin master Mr. Junyue Xu. For a better interpretation of the Chinese Guqin, the young performer follows Jianzi notation while playing. Music Teacher is HENGCHENG ZHOU.