George Bird / Timpani

George Bird, played trumpet in grade school, drums in high school Marching Band, switched to baritone while serving in the Navy in the San Diego Drum and Bugle Corp, and played timpani as a charter member of the Los Angeles Lawyers Philharmonic under the direction of Maestro Gary Greene. A 1985 LLS alumni, George practiced criminal law as a Certified Criminal Law Specialist until his appointment to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2015. He is assigned to the Civil division at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse.

Kierra Blackstad / Principal Oboe

Kierra Blackstad is originally from Minnesota, where she has enjoyed learning and performing music her whole life.  She studied music education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where she played oboe and English horn in orchestra, band, and many chamber ensembles.  While there, Kierra toured nationally and internationally with the Luther College Concert Band and the Symphony Orchestra.  Kierra now works at a church in San Pedro where she loves encouraging kids, families, and young adults. She also enjoys teaching private lessons. When she isn't working, Kierra enjoys hiking, attending musicals, traveling, and rock climbing. 

John Bulda / Clarinet

John is a music professional who has received his music performance degree from CSU, Sacramento, studied a year abroad at a music conservatory in Germany and holds a Masters of Science degree in music industry at USC. His music business ties into: sync licensing, music supervision, program coordinating for Thornton School of Music Department of Contemporary Music (Screen Scoring, Music Technology and Music Industry programs), artist management, and tour management. In addition he has held several leadership roles at: The Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Disney Cruise Lines, and Netflix Animation.

Justin Cole / Principal Percussion

Justin had his first private lesson on drumset at the age of 5, and has since continued to study concert percussion, jazz drumset, and marching percussion throughout his time in school.  He currently holds a Bachelor of Music degree from UCLA, and spends his professional time performing and teaching music in southern California.

Enrique Fernandez / Associate Principal Trumpet

Enrique began playing trumpet at the age of 13 and ever since then, he fell in love with the trumpet and music. He has experience in multiple styles of music and hopes to share his love of music with everyone!

Ben Iredell / Horn

Ben Iredell is a Pharmacy Manager at Cedars-Sinai. After playing the horn in high school and college marching band, he was eager to pick it up again. He was recruited to the Loyola Law School orchestra through his partner, Oscar Sanchez, in the Admissions office!

Bradford Jackson / Principal Cello

Bradford began taking cello lessons at the age of 5, shortly after watching a performance by the cellist Yo-Yo Ma on Sesame Street and asking his parents to find him a cello teacher. He has played continuously since then; besides playing for live gigs, he regularly ranked highly in southern California music competitions while growing up, including first place wins in the elementary, middle, and high school divisions of the San Bernardino County Music Educators Association Solofest. As a teenager, he performed extensively with the Claremont Young Musicians Orchestra and the Loma Linda Academy Consort, including two European concert tours.
He continued honing his passion for music throughout his academic studies in chemical nanoscience (University of Southern California) and intellectual property (Loyola Law School). While studying at USC, Bradford sat first chair cello in the USC Concert Orchestra. Now, following several years of laboratory chemical synthesis and patent application drafting, he’s returned to his musical roots, as a performer and arranger. In his spare time, Bradford can be found working through his reading backlog.

Shihan Jin / Timpani

Shihan Jin is a third-year PhD student studying health economics at USC. Shihan started learning piano at age 5 and continuously taking lessons through age 24. He started orchestral percussion in high school and conducting in undergraduate. He is now studying orchestral conducting with Maestro Larry Livingston at USC. Shihan now serve as the music director and principal conductor of the Student Symphony Orchestra of USC for 2022-2023 season.

Gina Longo / Cello

Gina began piano lessons at the age of 5 and played throughout her childhood and teen years. Although she took time off from her formal piano training after high school, she has always been involved in musical pursuits. She fell in love with the cello and was inspired to learn after watching a recording of cellist Jacqueline du Pré. She also has experience playing classical guitar, violin, and played keyboards in a band while an undergrad at the University of Florida. Prior to law school, Gina worked as a professional graphic designer. She is a graduate of LLS Class of 2017 and is a Deputy Public Defender with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. It has been a dream of hers to play in an orchestra, and she is very excited to be a part of the LLS Orchestra.

Jason Lopez / Clarinet

Jason Lopez is a clarinetist from Long Beach, CA. He received his Master of Music in Instrumental Performance while Studying with Burt Hara at California State University, Fullerton in. He also studied with Dr. Michael Grego, Dr. David Lopez and Paul Bambach. Currently, Jason is serving as the Communication and Operations Director for Designated Exceptional Services for Independence (DESI), a nonprofit based out of East LA that provides direct care services for individuals with disabilities.

Jordan Mao / Violin 1

Jordan is from New Jersey and graduated from the University of Rochester with a B.S. in Environmental Science. She has been playing the violin for 18 years and picked up the piano and singing along the way. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, camping, climbing, and reading. Her favorite composers are Strauss, Chopin, and Grieg. She works in Los Angeles for the Climate Action Reserve, an offset registry for global carbon markets.

Aida Marasli / Violin 1

Aida Marasli is a 2L at Loyola, with a concentration in Entertainment/Media Law Advocacy. She has always been involved in music and performance, and received a B.S. in Music Industry at USC. In the past, she worked with various performing arts organizations including the New West Symphony in Thousand Oaks and MUSE/IQUE in Pasadena, and continues to support local arts organizations in Los Angeles. She has always been passionate about bringing music and the arts to the local communities, and she’s thrilled to continue that at Loyola Law School. Currently, she’s hoping to pursue a career in music law.

Wietske Merison / Violin

Wietske is a doctoral candidate at UCLA law specializing in Islamic Law, Environmental Law and Human Rights Law. Music has always been a big part of her life. She comes from a family of musicians and started playing the violin when she was 5 years old. She is also a singer, guitarist and composer. 

Libby Morehouse / Flute

Libby is an LLS alumna currently working at a law firm in LA. She started playing flute at age 10. From a young age, she took private lessons, attended workshops and regional music festivals, and offered recitals. A classically trained flutist, Libby also has experience at the collegiate level playing jazz flute. After a few years of being without an ensemble, she is excited to be playing as a part of a group again within the LLS Orchestra.

Dorian Mynatt / Violin

Dorian graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a bachelors in Performing and Visual Arts. With a passion for screenwriting, Dorian currently works as a production manager at a film studio in Los Angles. 

Edward Parson / Cello

After studying piano as a child, Ted was seized by an enthusiasm for the cello at the end of his undergrad studies and spent most of his 20’s practicing all day trying to reach professional standards. He had the good luck to work with a few extraordinary teachers, notably Gwen Thompson and Richard Aaron. His principal teacher was the late Andor Toth Jr at the Oberlin Conservatory, a Neikrug student in the Dunis tradition, who could teach any sufficiently determined student to play the major concertos. In addition to Oberlin, Ted studied at the Banff Centre and the conservatories in Vancouver and Victoria. He has led the sections in the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (as co-principal) and the Academy Symphony and Academy Strings of Vancouver, and sat at the back of many other fine orchestras, including a few professional ones. He gave up his professional musical ambitions at 30 and pursued an academic career. He is now a law professor and director of the Emmett Institute on Climate and Environment at UCLA, and loves playing orchestral and chamber music as time allows.

Dan Persoff / French Horn

Dan Persoff is a graduate of Loyola Law School (Class of 1982). While at Loyola Law School, Dan was a student of Prof. Christopher May, in both Civil Procedure and Constitutional Law. Dan has been a civil practitioner in Los Angeles since 1983, now specializing in trusts and estates litigation. Dan has three children. His son, Joseph S. Persoff, an attorney in Los Angeles, is a former student of Prof. Simona Grossi in Civil Procedure. Dan’s pro bono activities include volunteering twice a month at the LA County Bar Association Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, and teaching twice a year for the PBBR no cost bar review course, covering the subject of Constitutional Law in two lectures. In this position, Dan replaced well known Constitutional Law scholar Erwin Chemerinski when Prof. Chemerinski assumed deanship of the UC Berkeley School of Law. In order to brush up on his Constitutional Law, Dan studied the book Examples and Explanations in Constitutional Law by Loyola Law School professors Christopher May, Alan Ides, and Simona Grossi.

Dan played Second Horn with the Reseda High School Orchestra (Reseda, California), 1972-1974. In recent years, with some occasional playing, Dan’s French Horn has been mostly gathering dust. Dan is hoping that through participation in the Loyola Law School Orchestra, he will be provided musical “Examples and Explanations” by Professor Grossi which will allow him to brush up his horn playing to reach the performance level.

Julia Ramos / Associate Principal French Horn

Julia Ramos is a classical French Hornist in Long Beach, California. Her influences come from her horn instructors Jenny Kim, Gabby Cross, and Brian Shetland who are all studio musicians. Julia has studied at Long Beach City College and is currently studying at Cal State University of Los Angeles.

During her career, Julia has performed in a wide variety of locations including Carnegie Hall in high school, Bob Cole Conservatory of Music for honor band, Music Association of Community College, the Long Beach Symphony, and Live @ 5 with the City of Long Beach.

Julia performs classical horn band pieces, solo pieces, and orchestra excerpts. Her goal is to play alongside her horn instructors and be a studio musician.

Elisabetta Russo / Soprano

Elisabetta masterfully combines her passion and enchanting Belcanto while warmly embracing audiences all over the world with her elegant grand-gala style arias.

She is widely acclaimed for her leading roles in both Opera (Don Pasquale by Donizetti, Così Fan Tutte by Mozart, Rigoletto, and Falstaff by Giuseppe Verdi) and Musical Theatre (The Phantom of the Opera by Webber and Carousel by Hammerstein II). She is also praised for her collaboration with film composers and Oscar winners such as Ennio Morricone and Nicola Piovani, and world renowned artists such as Andrea Bocelli, David Foster and Carlo Ponti.

Best Female Vocal at the Hollywood Music Awards, Elisabetta moves to Los Angeles from Italy in 2013 following her extraordinary success at a special concert held at Paramount Studios with Andrea Bocelli and David Foster.

She performs in Europe and North America receiving numerous accolades while proudly celebrating both her Italian heritage and international artistic background. Her most successful and recent appearances include the New York Fashion Week, the Los Angeles Staples Center as guest singer of the National Anthem for the LA Clippers, and recitals at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and the Chicago Cultural Center.

She also counts herself blessed and is honored to be part of wonderful events for nonprofit, and charity organizations such as Caterina’s Club, California Hospital Medical Center Foundation, Desert Arc, Saint Pio Foundation, UKRO Foundation, Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind, Eastwood Ranch Foundation, and LA Virtuosi Orchestra.

Yoo Hee Shin / Piano

Yoo Hee Shin has been playing the piano since the age of six and has both bachelor's and master’s degrees in music from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. Piano is not just a musical instrument to her; instead, it has been her passion, mouthpiece, and an extension of her mind, body, and soul. Now, as a JD degree candidate at LMU Loyola Law School, Yoo Hee also plans to play the symphony of law, with the goal of providing harmonious resolutions to those who are out-of-tune and in discord with the law. 

Isabella Villalta / Saxophone

Isabella Villalta is a 2L at LLS. She began playing saxophone in middle school and continued throughout her middle and high school career. There she competed in various state competitions, her school’s marching band, and jazz band. She played Alto Saxophone in concert and marching band. For jazz band and quartets, she played Bari Saxophone. After taking a two-year break from performing, Isabella is very excited to be joining the LLS orchestra.

Emily Wood / Clarinet

Emily graduated from Cornell University in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering. She moved to LA in order to work on projects related to water reuse for the purpose of creating resilient drinking water sources in the face of drought and climate change. She began playing the clarinet at the age of 9 in various wind ensembles, marching bands, chamber groups, and orchestras. In 2017 she had the privilege of touring Italy with the Delaware Youth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Simeone Tartaglione. She is grateful for the opportunity to play with an orchestra again at LLS.

Matthew Mounteer / Violin

Matthew started learning violin at the age of 4 from his dad and began taking lessons a few years after. His musical journey eventually brought him to chamber music in middle school and high school where he played with Central Coast Section (CCS) 7 years in a row. Aside from classical music, Matthew really enjoys playing with groups and using his loop pedal to create his own layered tracks. When he isn't practicing his vibrato, he is a full time 3D technical artist. Relatively new to LA, he can also be spotted on his bike around town or on PCH as he tries to get familiar with the lay of the land.

Yushen Sun / Viola

Yushen Sun is a first-year biochemistry student at UCLA. He started playing the viola at the age of 13, and has been involved in music ever since. He was in CASMEC All-State Symphony Orchestra and was principal violist at the award-winning Diamond Bar High School Symphony Orchestra. In his spare time, he enjoys playing Minecraft and making desserts.

Duffey Westlake / Associate Principal Percussions

Duffey is a multi instrumentalist born and raised in Southwest Florida. After attending the Interlochen Arts Academy and graduating from the Eastman School of Music with a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance, he moved to Los Angeles, where he has been playing in local alternative rock bands for the last 15+ years. After being away from the classical music scene, Duffey is excited to be a part of the LLS Orchestra!

Yonca Özkan Bilenoğlu / Harp

Yonca Özkan Bilenoğlu was born in Istanbul. She started her studies at the age of 14, at Istanbul University State Conservatory with Assoc. Prof. Ümit Tunak. She received her Bachelor degree in 1993 and her Master degree in 1997. In July 1990, she became the first harpist representing Turkey in the World Harp Congress held in Paris. She won the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra competition in France in 1991 and gave concerts in Italy, Egypt, Israel and France with the orchestra conducted by Michel Tabachnik. In 1993 she performed W.A. Mozart's Flute & Harp Concerto, accompanied by the Hannover Youth Symphony Orchestra. In the 23rd Istanbul Music Festival she gave a recital in the Young Soloists Series. In 1996-97 she was the first harpist at the CRR Symphony Orchestra in İstanbul. She gave recitals at the 7th World Harp Congress in Prague and at the European Harp Symposium in Peruggia Italy. She worked with Elizabeth Fontan Binoche in France. She gave a concert at the Budapest Music Festival accompanied by the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2021 and 2022 she became an international jury at the Music and Stars Awards and awarded as the Best Harp Teacher for the last two consecutive years. Yonca Özkan Bilenoğlu is currently performing chamber music and solo concerts and continues to serve as a harp teacher at Istanbul University State Conservatory.

Caitlin Pelina / Piano

Caitlin started her passion in music at the age of 6 starting with piano. Then throughout grade school and high school, she picked up the clarinet and tenor saxophone, joining her high school's marching band, jazz band, and wind ensemble, and joining a few honor groups such as SBCMEA Basin HS Band, SCSBOA Symphonic Band, and U.S. Army All-American Marching Band for tenor saxophone while still continuing classical piano. Caitlin then attended Brigham Young University - Idaho, and during her time there she has accompanied many vocalists and instrumentalists for performances/juries, went through the piano pedagogy program, was part of University Band and Percussion Ensemble, and was Vice President of the BYU-I's MTNA collegiate chapter. She then graduated in Fall 2021 with a Bachelor of Musical Arts in Piano and is currently teaching piano in her home studio.

Richard Salgado / Bass Clarinet

Richard Salgado is a graduated from California State University of Long Beach with a Bachelors Degree in clarinet performance. He has performed with BCCM Clarinet Choir, BCCM  Wind Symphony, BCCM Symphony Orchestra, and Santa Clarita Philharmonic. He is a member of the clarinet octet Xonobe’e Clarinet Octet based in Los Angeles where he plays alto clarinet and bass clarinet for the group. Richard is also the bass clarinetist for 7Reeds, a premiere reed quintet at Bob Cole Conservatory of Music. When not making music, Richard enjoys reading, going on adventures and hikes.

Esteban Jimenez / Principal Horn

Esteban Jimenez is a graduate of CSULB's Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, with a Bachelors in Music Performance, where he studied with Jim Atkinson. Before attending Long Beach State he began his studies at Pasadena City College, where he studied with Dr. Susan Helfter. Esteban began playing the horn in high school where he had the opportunity to march in the Rose Parade with the LAUSD All-City Marching Band. 

Summer Wilson / Flute and Piccolo

Summer Wilson is a graduate of the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSU Long Beach. She holds a bachelor's degree in Music Performance with an emphasis on Flute. She also minored in Native American Cultures. She is an active freelance musician and plays with various groups and gives local solo performances. Throughout her musical career, Summer has played various woodwind and low brass instruments with jazz, pop, wind ensembles, and orchestral groups.
When she is not performing, Summer holds a job as a private music instructor as well as a Patient Advocate for those who need help having their voices heard in medical settings.
In her daily life, Summer works to re-establish a connection to her Gabrieleño-Tongva identity through language and music.

Evelyn Guzman / Saxophone and Percussion

Evelyn Guzman, saxophone, is pursuing a major in Music Education with a minor in General Anthropology at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). In addition to alto saxophone, she is passionate about playing the baritone saxophone, her secondary instrument. She is currently studying classical saxophone under Dr. Chika Inoue. Previously, Evelyn was Drum Major for the El Monte High School Marching Band. During her senior year of high school, she entered a scholarship pageant where she was crowned Miss Friendly El Monte/South El Monte 2019. She became a public speaker and advocate that helped raise awareness about the importance of education and culture. From the time she was a freshman, Evelyn has become a founder of a new saxophone quartet named the Calligraphy Saxophone Quartet. Recently, she won a scholarship for the Joseph M. Fannell Creative and Performing Arts Monetary Grant which allowed her the opportunity to attend the CSU Summer Arts program for the Art of Classical Saxophone. Evelyn is a current member of the CSUDH Pep Band. In addition to performing at different venues, Evelyn coordinated events, ran rehearsals, ran the social media platforms, and recruited new members. She also takes advantage of every concert hosted on campus by Mu Phi Epsilon, a music fraternity. Being a member of the fraternity, she was inspired to continue helping her community. She is the current president of the Gamma Sigma Collegiate Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon, and she further aspires to continue serving her community. She strives to continue to build experiences that would benefit her career as a future educator. 

Lydia Noh / Percussion

Lydia received her bachelors in biological sciences and PharmD from the University of Southern California and currently works as a pharmacy manager. She started playing the marimba at the age of 12 and continued through college. She is excited to join the orchestra and play percussion again.

Nikki Lee / Violin 2

Nikki is currently a sophomore nursing student. Along with her passion with the medical field, she also has a love of music. She has been playing violin for the majority of her life and has been an concert violinist since the 6th grade. Being part of youth orchestras including her CYMO and SCSBOA, she enjoyed every moment as a orchestral player. This year, she joined the LLS orchestra in hopes to keep music a part of her life.

Jeff Habell / Bass

Jeff Habell is a bassist and teacher in the Inland Empire. He performs regularly as a bassist enlisted with the 562nd Air Force Band in the LA area, with experience in diverse genres as classical, jazz, latin, blues and more.

Igor Kogan / Bass

Igor Kogan is a music artist, bassist, composer, arranger and bandleader. He has performed at prestigious venues and festivals in U.S., Canada and Europe, including Jazz at Lincoln Center and Steinway Hall (New York), Bern Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Toronto Music Festival (Canada), Red Sea Jazz Festival (Israel); and appeared at renowned music clubs Herb Alpert’s Vibrato, Blue Whale, Vitellos, The Lighthouse (Los Angeles); Smalls, Zinc, Fat Cat (New York) among other venues. He performs regularly with various orchestras and bands, and leads his own Jazz Quintet and 17 piece Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, composing and performing original music. Being inspired from both jazz and classical traditions, he combines these two musical worlds in his work.

Brian J. Cheng / Violin

Brian has been playing the violin and piano since he was young, and has significant experience playing in youth orchestras and competing in many music competitions at the local, regional, national, and international levels for both instruments. Many of his orchestral compositions have also been premiered in concert, with him as conductor. Having obtained B.S. degrees in the Human Biology and Society Major/Science Education Minor from UCLA, he continues to enjoy making music with others through the UCLA Symphony and a variety of chamber music groups, in addition to the LLS Orchestra. Brian hopes to become a physician in the future, and looks forward to sharing his love for music with his future patients. When not in the practice room or composing music, Brian enjoys building model kits and exploring new restaurants together with friends.

Rafael Ramos / Principal Bass

Rafael Ramos III is a classically trained pianist and bassist, spending his childhood performing with various state and regional honor youth orchestras and has studied with bassist Jack Cousin, the longest serving member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. After spending his adult life building a career as an aerospace engineer he has decided to re-engage with his passion for music as a bassist and amateur composer.

James Hohlfeld / Contrabassoon

Jim began playing saxophone in 5th grade. From the beginning, he wanted to be a woodwind doubler, inspired by the big band saxophonists of the 1950s. Along the way he picked up flute and bassoon, and even the recorder in the early days of the renewed interest in Early Music. Jim continued playing in various bands, orchestras, Renaissance ensembles and big bands right through his undergraduate days at UC Riverside, where he earned a BA in Classical Languages and Literature. During grad school, and with the demands of building a career and raising a large family, music had to take a back seat. But the love of rehearsing and performing all sorts of music never waned. Jim took the opportunities that came his way, including performing with the Iowa State University Musica Antiqua for a number of years. Retiring in 2005, after a career in finance and IT, Jim at last had time to get back to music. For seven years in Arizona, he played bassoon, bass viol, flute and clarinet in a variety of groups, including Arizona Winds Arizona Premier Concert Band. Since returning to Southern California, Jim has played with a variety of community orchestras, bands, and small ensembles. Many opportunities from the desert to the sea have come his way since acquiring the contrabassoon on which he will be performing with the Loyola Law School Orchestra.

James Rippetoe / Bass

James Rippetoe is a full-time Instructor for Loma Linda University where he has taught since 2011, and an adjunct professor at San Bernardino Valley College since 2003. He is an alum of the University of Redlands where he studied history and music. Classically trained, James studied with Sheldon Schlesinger of the Fresno Philharmonic and the late Fred Tinsley of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He regularly performs with the Redlands Community Orchestra, the Temecula Valley Symphony, and the Southland Symphony Orchestra. He is also the adjudicator for double bassists auditioning for the San Bernardino County Middle and High School Honor Orchestras. 

Alberto Rosito / French Horn

French Horn player Alberto Rosito was born in Los Angeles, California. He was first
introduced to music during his high school orientation when the school’s mariachi ensemble gave a moving rendition of “Amor Eterno” followed by an equally stellar rendition of “Salvation is Created” by the school’s brass quintet that featured the French horn. Though French horn is his primary classical instrument, Alberto also doubles on Trumpet in genres such as Jazz and Mariachi.
Alberto obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) where he studied French Horn under Audrey Lamprey and Lisa Cherry. During his undergraduate career, he was Principal horn of the UCR Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Ruth Charloff. Alberto was also a member of the UCR Concert Band under the direction of the late Dr. Samuel Andress. He was also a member of the UCR Jazz ensemble under the direction of Professor Josh Welchez as well as the UCR Mariachi Los Alteños under the direction of the late Laura Sobrino and current director Cynthia Flores.
Alberto is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in French horn performance at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) where he has studied with Nathan Campbell and Jenny Kim. He has been Principal horn in the Olympia Youth Orchestra and a member of the CSULA Symphony Orchestra. Currently, he is a member of the CSULA Wind Ensemble and the CSULA Trombone Choir. He plans to obtain his music education credentials in hopes of introducing others to the wonders of musical performance.

Nathan Swift / Principal Tuba

Nathan Swift is from Fairfield, California. He received my undergraduate degree at Grand Canyon University under Kevin Bock and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Music Performance under Gabe Sears. He is the Principal Tubist of the Long Beach State Wind Symphony and Long Beach State Orchestra and performs often with The Master's Symphony Orchestra. He’s currently touring with Bad Cactus Band in Phoenix, Arizona. In his free time, he loves to spectate college sports and explore the different coastal beaches.

Dominic Macrini / Violin 2

Dominic is a recent transplant from the east coast. After years of performing and teaching throughout Philadelphia and Nashville, he has recently moved to Los Angeles to broaden his horizons and play with the best La La Land has to offer. Aside from bartending during the day, Dominic loves collecting records, searching for the perfect ramen, and some New York Yankees baseball.

Dylan Puerta / Cello

Dylan Puerta is currently a business major at California State University of Long Beach. Cello has been his passion since middle school and he wants to continue playing. He currently coaches in Long Beach's school district and he plays gigs locally.

Rogelio Justo / Principal Flute

Rogelio Justo is an active performer and recording artist in the Los Angeles and Orange County area. He began playing the flute at age 9 and has been a part of various groups such as: the Colburn Youth Orchestra, Colburn Wind Ensemble, Colburn Honors Quintet, Idyllwild Symphony Orchestra, YOLA at Expo, RISE Orchestra, and is currently with the Loyola Law School Orchestra. At age 16, Rogelio won the Horton-Kohl Young Artists Concert and made his solo debut with the Eastern Sierra Symphony. Since then, he has appeared and performed on radio, on newspapers, on ABC7’s “Cool Kids”, and has just recently recorded for a film with Sony. As an avid performer, he has performed at Zipper Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood Bowl, Ford Theater, LACMA, and many more. When not performing, he loves spending his time with his pets and family, playing video games, and watching movies at the theaters.

Chiyuan Qu / Trombone

Chiyuan Qu, a graduate student from Shanghai, China, is currently studying Electronic Engineering at USC. He began learning the trombone at 11, taught by his grandfather. After a break for sports, he returned to music at 18, joining his university orchestra as principal trombonist and doing transcription work. At 19, he started learning jazz as well, performing with the Jazmine Bigband. Expanding his skills, he tackled the bass trombone at 23. Now, he's having lessons with Prof. Terry Cravens and playing bass trombone in the Student Symphony Orchestra at USC, diving deeper into music.

Austin Aldujaili / Violin 2

Austin is a recent graduate from UCLA with a B.S. in Neuroscience. He started playing the violin from when he was 9 years old, playing in school orchestras and chamber groups until college where he continued to play recreationally. Music has been a large part of his life growing up and he has made it a passion of his to spread music to kids around Los Angeles through a nonprofit he founded, NeuroNote. Interested in becoming a physician, he hopes to continue pursuing music through the LLS Orchestra as well as spread the importance of playing an instrument to patients in the future.

Niles Gunderson / Cello

Niles Gunderson enjoys a varied international performing career as soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, and recording artist throughout North America, Europe, China, and Japan. He has played under conductors such as Kurt Masur, Gerard Schwartz, and Valery Gergiev in some of the world’s most distinguished venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. He has received mentorship from the American String Quartet, Richard Danielpour, Dale Clevenger, and Robert Mann. Niles earned his Bachelor of Music at the Manhattan School of Music and continued his studies in Florence, Italy at La Scuola di Musica di Fiesole. His major teachers include Marianne Chen, Alan Stepansky, and Raymond Davis. He plays an instrument by Jason Viseltear (New York) and currently resides in Los Angeles.

Aaron Zamarron / Cello

Aaron is a Mexican-American cellist based in West Covina, CA. Aaron started playing the cello at 13, and has been a self-taught cellist throughout middle school and high school. His passion for the cello grew as he was inspired to play the instrument by Jacqueline Du Pre, Alisa Weilerstein, Mstislav Rostropovich, Mischa Maisky, and the band, Apocalyptica. Aaron has made his professional orchestral debut in his senior year of high school with the SCSBOA All-Southern Honor Orchestra. He is currently a student at Azusa Pacific University’s School of Music studying cello with Prof. Marek Szpakiewicz and plans to pursue a long-term career as a musician. During his free time, he likes to study scores to symphonies by Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky.

Madison Bottenberg / Timpani & Percussions 

Madison Bottenberg has studied percussion for fourteen years. She actively participates in many styles of music, such as classical percussion, marching percussion, chamber music, and contemporary music. She is en route to finishing her bachelor’s degree in music performance at UCLA and is looking to continue in a masters program.

Deniz Aktas / Percussions & Timpani

The music of Los Angeles-based composer Deniz has appeared in many leading orchestras in Middle-east and Europe. Deniz is the winner of 2021 Score Relief International Film Scoring Competition (1st place), 2015 Sandy Hook Memorial Concert organized by Berklee College of Music composition competition (1st place), and the winner of 2020 inaugural Score Live London Film  Scoring Competition Wallace and Gromit Animation Category (2nd Place).
Deniz’s concert music has also received critical acclaim, including his piece “Sandy Hook Immortals” that he wrote in memory of Sandy Hook Elementary School, which was commissioned and premiered by Izmir State Symphony Orchestra. He is the founder of Izmir Brass and Percussion Ensemble which he composed, arranged and conducted.
After beginning studies in orchestral percussion at a very young age and performed in numerous orchestras including Izmir State Opera and Ballet as a full-time percussion player, Deniz later shifted to composing and arranging, working as an arranger, orchestrator and midi-programmer for GRAMMY-award winning film composer Penka Kouneva. In 2020, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music and he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Percussion Performing from Dokuz Eylul University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music.

Jasper Stringfellow / Percussions & Timpani

Jasper Stringfellow is thrilled to join the Loyola Law School Orchestra's percussion section! They have been playing percussion since 2013 and graduated from UCLA in 2021, finishing with degrees in Percussion Performance and Music Education. They now teach marching and indoor percussion at Granada Hills Charter high school. When they aren't performing, you can find Jasper cooking, at the movies, or hang out with their three cats. They are super excited to be a part of this ensemble and can’t wait for future performances!

Reyneelynn Cameros / Associate Principal Clarinet

Reyneelynn Cameros is a clarinetist based in Los Angeles. She received her Bachelor of Music in Performance and Instrumental Music from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach, where she was a Cole Conservatory Scholarship recipient. Reyneelynn has had the honor of studying with Ron Wakefield, Dr. David Lopez and Dr. Michael Grego during her undergrad. She has performed with groups such as the Music Association for Community Colleges honor band, the Bellflower Symphony, the Troupe and the Studio Orchestra of Long Beach. She has also had the privilege of performing in Carnegie Hall with the National Wind Ensemble as well as conducting the ensemble from North Park Academy of the Arts. Besides freelancing, Reyneelynn is a private instructor and is currently working on obtaining her credential through CSULB where she hopes to teach a music program of her own in the near future.

Mary Bassey / Associate Principal Flute

Born to a physicist father who was a choirmaster and a chemist mother who was a gospel singer, Mary was destined to be a scientist and musician. While her voice was her first instrument, the flute was the instrument that she would become obsessed with. At age 10, she devoured all of the pages in the Accent on Achievement flute book in 2 months. Her band director suggested she get private lessons so she could be further challenged as a musician. Dr. Charles W. Smith became her flute teacher and she went on to play in middle school and high school honor bands, 3 of those times as first chair. She went further to play in churches with her brother, who was an engineer and a trombone player. After a 5 year hiatus, Mary picked up the flute again and has been playing ever since. When she’s not playing with the LLS Orchestra, you can find her playing with the Los Angeles Symphonic Winds.

David Marcus / Horn

Dave Marcus is a law professor at UCLA.  He first started playing the French horn in the sixth grade, then spent his high school years in a central Texas marching band.  Dave’s first orchestra rehearsal his freshman year of college was a revelation, and he fell totally under the spell of Brahms, Mahler, and the other greats.  He spent four years in the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra, then another year, at the University of Cambridge, playing in every ensemble he could possibly join.  Sadly, law school then got in the way, and Dave shelved his horn for good in 1999.  Several inspirations, including the LLS Orchestra, prompted him to start playing again in 2022.  Making music with others is as wonderful a pleasure as there is, and Dave is very happy to be back at it, split notes and all.

Abigail Meehan / Viola

Abigail is a violist and San Diego native. She obtained a B.S. in Animal Science and Minor in Music from UC Davis in 2020, where she was a member of the symphony, video game orchestra, and instructor of an Astronomy Lab course. Currently she works as Veterinary Technician in Internal Medicine, but will be starting the graduate performance program at SDSU in the fall. When in San Diego you can find her in ensembles such as the San Diego City Ballet Orchestra, Villa Musica Summer Orchestra, Chamber Players, and a few other groups. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends, watching movies, reading, and playing video games.

Christopher Rio / Trumpet

Chris started off playing French horn in 8th grade all the way through high school and picked up the trumpet after high school. He played in College and in a few groups but then took a couple of years hiatus. He started playing the trumpet again recently as a hobby. His friend Enrique Fernandez contacted him and asked if he could sub for someone in this new orchestra he was playing in, the LLS Orchestra, and here he is now. He’s grateful to be given opportunity to play with the LLS Orchestra.

Mario Martinez / Trumpet

Mario Martinez is a Trumpet player with an emphasis in Jazz. He is pursuing a degree in Music Education at California State University, Dominguez-Hills. His residency is in Pomona, CA where he first began his path of Music Performance at School of Arts and Enterprise. His teacher exposed him to areas of Jazz such as Jazz Big Band, Jazz Combos, Classical exposure such as Wind Ensembles and Wind Symphonies, and Pop/Rock Band for more popular/modern compositions. With these experiences, his teacher then led him and his band to many Jazz Competitions such as the Jazz Festival at Mt. SAC City College (2018) or the Jazz Festival at Riverside City College (2018). After reaching the finish line of High School, he immediately applied to CSUDH’s Music Program under the guidance of Dr. Kathleen Janert (2019). Mario then was introduced to a professional music fraternity under the name of Mu Phi Epsilon Gamma Sigma Chapter where their job is to seek various opportunities and environments to help the many music students in the school, build healthy relationships and learn the ways of professionalism in the field of music (2020). He currently represents CSUDH’s A-Jazz Band playing in various events for the school, and is a part of Southland Wind Ensemble’s Trumpet section (under the supervision of George Osorio) along with Southland Jazz Ensemble’s trumpet section (under the supervision of Charles Tuttle). In addition, he has had the wonderful opportunity to be part of Loyola Law School’s Orchestra under Simona Grossi where they hold glamorous performances of music and even more wonderful opportunities for their musicians. 

Sophia Flores / Saxophone

Acclaimed for her effortless musicality, impassioned lyricism, and unique artistry, Sophia Flores is a Latina, California-based classical saxophonist and music educator, captivating audiences with her thrilling performances and her warm, melodious, and vibrant soloistic voice.
 
As a Sacramento native, Sophia began her saxophone career in Northern California, where she performed at various high schools, middle schools, and churches as a guest artist and clinician. She later moved to Southern California where she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Music Education and Saxophone Performance, as well as her Single Subject Music Teaching Credential from Concordia University Irvine. Sophia is currently based in Los Angeles, where she is continuing her education for her Masters of Music in Saxophone Performance at the University of Southern California.
 
Sophia has had the privilege to be featured in performances with the Sacramento Symphonic Winds, Lutheran Summer Music Concert Band and Orchestra, Thornton Wind Ensemble, Concordia Wind Orchestra, and the Concordia Symphony Orchestra. Sophia has also served on behalf of the saxophone faculty at the Lutheran Summer Music Festival, and the Concordia University Chamber Music Festival.
 
As a winner of the Concordia Wind Orchestra Concerto Competition, she has had the privilege to perform as a soloist with the Concordia High School in Tomball, Texas. Sophia is a Resident Performing Artist for the Concordia Wind Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra, where she has been a featured soloist on Public Broadcasting Service, and at numerous venues throughout Southern California including Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Irvine Barclay Theatre and The Pacific Club. Sophia also has frequent collaborations with various churches, high schools, community bands, and emerging artists throughout California.

Isabel Dobrev / Bass

Isabel Dobrev is a bass player based in Los Angeles. Originally from San Francisco, Isabel is equally passionate about playing classical music in orchestras as she is about rocking out with her band. Isabel’s membership in the prestigious San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra was the catalyst for her pursuit of music professionally. Since then she has obtained a degree in Global Jazz Studies from UCLA, and has begun laying the foundation for herself in the LA music scene, appearing on numerous local pop, jazz, and rock albums, playing  rock & roll in bars all over town, and established herself as a reliable call for everything from musicals to orchestral recording sessions. She recently joined the Sofia Philharmonic, Bulgaria’s national orchestra, on their US tour. Isabel currently plays with André Miguel & the Moment, the Robin Simone Hollywood Orchestra, the Symphonic Winds of the Pacific, and the LLS Orchestra. She is the product manager for Eastman Strings by day, helping to develop musical instruments and spread the joy of music.

Cristine Khachatoorians / Media Coordinator & Fundraising

Cristine Khachatoorians is currently honing her legal expertise as a diligent law student at Loyola Law School, drawing on her solid foundation from her alma mater, UCLA. Driven by a profound desire to effect positive change, Cristine is committed to utilizing her growing legal acumen to advocate for those in need and make a meaningful impact in the community. Her aspiration isn’t just to practice law, but to sprinkle a little kindness around, one legal brief at a time.

Isabella Mier / Viola

Isabella Vita Mier is a young and rising Italian-Mexican American Violist who is based in Los Angeles California and is currently a freshman at California State University Northridge, where she studies viola  under Dr. Wendy Richmann for her BM in Music Performance. Mier started her studies at the age of 8 and continued at the Renaissance Arts Academy in Los Angeles, California where she studied under Alec SantaMaria. Her high school education consisted of Los Angeles county high school for the arts, Colburn school and the Pasadena conservatory of Music, where she taught under renowned Violist Andrew Picken anhid played as a soloist with the LACHSA String Ensemble under maestro and violistist Fung Ho. She has participated in multiple chamber groups, string ensemble, and sat associate principal during symphony orchestras over her duration of time in college prep education. In 2021 Isabella was crowned Principal Violist of the Eisner Intergenerational Orchestra in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Mier has gained recognition from Los Angeles County, Music Center and recently won 2nd prize internationally at the Royal Maas Competition and the Claveria Competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She has worked with the LA Opera, Charlotte Symphony and Internationally Lyric Orchestra in Vicenza Italy. Isabella is mentored by Minor Wetzel and Meredith Snow of the LA Philharmonic and has played under the batons of Alan Mautner, Fung Ho, Maxim Eshkenazy, Gustavo Dudamel, James Mena, Stefano Vignati, Daniel Suk, James Colon and many more. Mier has taken part in many non profits such as AFA ,LTM and Alexandria House to provide music education and free music to all as a performer, conductor and educator.
In summer of 2024, Mier will attend HIMA (Harpa International Lyric Academy) in Reykjavik, Iceland. In Fall of 2024 joining the infamous Manhattan School of Music for her studies in BM, Music Performance as a sophomore student studying in New York

Sarah Hsiao / Harp

Born and raised in Southern California, Sarah began playing the harp at the age of eleven with Mindy Ball. She was principal harpist of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra and Global Harmony Symphony for four years. She has also performed with rock artists, such as Nancy Wilson, John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls, and Monte Pittman, in the benefit concert From Classical To Rock. Recently, Sarah has performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra as well as with the American Youth Symphony, LA Symphonic Winds, and Orchestra Nova of Los Angeles.
Sarah recently graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied with JoAnn Turovsky for her Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance and was a member of the USC Symphony Orchestra and Student Symphony Orchestra of USC, a student-led organization dedicated to playing beautiful music. Lately, she has been exploring different genres with the harp, including recording and performing with various pop and jazz artists in the area!

Amee Bhatt / Flute

Amee has been playing the flute since she was 11 years old in Michigan, participating in any music group that needed a flute player during middle school and high school, along with private lessons. Although she decided at the last minute not to pursue music school in college (despite auditioning for and being accepted to many schools in Michigan), she continued to play the flute in various music groups with a twist—she is trained in Indian classical music (Hindustani), allowing her to blend both Western flute techniques with Eastern music theory and composition.
Amee moved to LA five years ago for work as an urban designer, a career that combines architecture and urban planning, and post-COVID, she has been seeking opportunities to play in groups again. Over the last two years, she has performed with Orchestra Nova LA, the LAVC Wind Ensemble, and the Colburn Adult Flute Choir but enjoys the challenge that orchestral music offers, which is why she would value any opportunities to play with the LLS Orchestra. Continuing to learn and grow as a flute player is important to her, and since last year, she has resumed private lessons with Karen Lundgren at Colburn.

King Choi / Associate Principal Oboe and English Horn

King is a recently relocated oboe and English horn player now living in Long Beach. He played semi-professionally in the Seattle metropolitan area and served as the oboe and English horn player with the Northwest Symphony for 20 years. Currently, he is playing with the Long Beach Community Band.
He grew up in the youth symphony system in Hong Kong and attended Texas Tech, where he played with the Lubbock Symphony. His past orchestral experience also includes performances with the Hong Kong Symphonia and the Bahamas National Symphony. In addition to his musical career, King is a licensed architect.

Kelly Smith / Oboe and English Horn

Kelly is a marketing professional in the audiovisual industry and is originally from Oklahoma. She studied oboe under Lisa-Harvery Reed at Oklahoma City University and played in the Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. After teaching English overseas for a few years and returning to the States, she missed the community and joy of music. She has since played in a number of community orchestras and bands across the US. Kelly has found her community in Los Angeles, and when not playing in the LLS Orchestra, she can be found with the LA Winds.

Joselito Juson / Trumpet

Lito Juson, a talented Filipino trumpet player, began his musical journey at the age of 10, playing in his local band. His deep passion for music has driven him to excel in his craft, with the trumpet as his major instrument and piano as his minor. In addition to the trumpet, Lito is skilled in playing a wide range of brass instruments.
A versatile musician, he also enjoys arranging band compositions and brings his musical talents to life every Sunday, performing regularly in his church. His dedication to music shines through both his performances and his contributions to his musical community.

Michael Medina / Trombone

Michael Medina is a dedicated and passionate pre-professional trombonist with a strong commitment to music and performance. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Michael’s journey with the trombone began at the age of 16  when he first picked up the instrument. Throughout his schooling, Michael has been an active participant in various music programs and ensembles, including the University of Redlands Wind Ensemble band, jazz band, and various chamber groups. Michael is a recent graduate of the University of Redlands, earning a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance and Music Education. Under the guidance of world-class instructors, he continues to refine his technique and musicianship, aiming to reach new heights in his musical career. Driven by his love for music and a desire to connect with audiences, Michael also has a passion for stage handing and audio engineering, having worked for the Redlands Symphony Orchestra and the Conservatory of Music at the University of Redlands. Michael aspires to become a professional trombonist, looking in graduate studies in Performance.

Ihab Hamideh / Trombone

Ihab Hamideh is a trombonist based in Southern California, where he was raised. He recently graduated from Manhattan School of Music where his primary teacher was Colin Williams. 

Jeff Tang / Cello

Jeff is an analytics and business strategy manager at Universal Music Group. He's played the cello for over 15 years, starting at the age of 12 in a student orchestra in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, and most recently with the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Jeff is new to Los Angeles and is looking forward to getting back into regular playing around the city.

Eric Manuel Ricardo Ladròn De Guevara / Bass

Eric Manuel has been immersed in bass studies since the age of 10 at the Vocational School of Art "Raúl Gómez García," where he attained his elementary-level title in music. In 2017, he earned his Medium Technical Title in the specialty of controls and ensemble practice from the Conservatory "José María Ochoa." In 2022, he completed his education at the Instituto Superior de Arte de la Habana, specializing in music with a focus on double bass. Throughout his 16 years of dedicated study, Eric has had the privilege to participate in esteemed artistic events such as Cubadisco 2013 in Havana, the Ibero-American fairs in Holguin, and both the Mozart Route Festival and the Mozart Havana Festival in Cuba. He also served as the principal double bass player in the Holguin Symphony Orchestra for six years and was a member of the Lyceum Mozartiano of Havana for three years. In addition to his performance career, Eric has taught music at the Conservatory of Music "José María Ochoa" in Holguin. With a repertoire spanning classical and jazz genres, Eric continually seeks opportunities to expand his musical horizons by learning new instruments. Music has always been his passion, and he is excited to embark on the next chapter of his journey in Southern California.

Nixon Cruz / Bass

Nixon Cruz is from Chino, California. He began playing at the age of 8 on alto saxophone, and since then has branched out to a wide variety of woodwind and stringed instruments. He regularly plays saxophone, bassoon, bass clarinet, and contrabass for a variety of orchestras and jazz ensembles in the IE, such as the Calvary Chapel orchestra and CBU honor bands. Nixon is very excited to be part of the LLS Orchestra and to improve as a musician.

Dominic Lipari / Percussion

Dominic has been playing timpani and percussion in orchestras for over a decade. He has performed with professional, semi-professional, and university/community orchestras at all levels. During his time at Berklee College of Music and the University of Bristol, where he earned his BA in Music, he held the position of principal percussionist and timpanist in the top orchestras.

Nicholas Jorgensen / Percussion

Born and raised in a rural town in Utah, Nick Jorgensen fondly remembers marching up Main Street and banging the drums along with the marching band. Upon graduating from high school he lived in Seoul, South Korea for two years, after which he returned to Utah and earned his BA from Brigham Young University in Korean Language and Literature. 
Following his graduation from BYU, Nick moved to Long Beach to escape Utah’s harsh winters and to earn an MA in English from CSULB. After working for an Education Tech startup for a number of years, Nick returned to school and is currently in his first year at Loyola Law School in the evening program. 
In his free time Nick enjoys reading, playing video games, clanging on various drums, and going to concerts. He lives in Long Beach with his two cats, Sir Launcelot and Persephone, and his boyfriend James.

Lisette Cabrera / Violin 2

Lissette started playing violin at the age of 9 through her school's music program. As she grew older, the violin became her passion and she wanted to share that passion and the knowledge of music with others. She began her music teaching career right after high school and went on to teach violin and viola lessons for 7 years while studying Music and Sociology at Mt. San Antonio College. Lissette also performed in the String Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble under the instruction of violinist Irene Shiao at Mt.SAC before transferring to Cal Poly Pomona to receive her BA in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work. Since graduating in 2020, Lissette has continued to play in several projects including an album titled "Little Bird" by Kelly Grandmaison and performing with The Musique Sur La Mer Orchestra conducted by renowned director Marcy A. Sudock. Lissette now teaches at her own private music studio in Long Beach. When she's not working, she enjoys doing yoga, gardening, having sunset walks on the beach, and spending time with loved ones."

Addison Haddad / Percussions & Timpani

Addison Haddad is thrilled to be in the Loyola Law School Orquestra! She’s been playing percussion for 9 years, as well as bass and guitar for 3. She’s still in highschool, but hope she can continue her study of music in college.

Natan Holtzman / Cello

Natan Hotltzman started playing the cello in sixth grade in Raleigh, North Carolina. He studied cello with Elizabeth Beilman of the North Carolina Symphony and with Brent Wissick at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In college, Natan majored in geology while playing in the UNC Symphony, Baroque Ensemble, and Chamber Players. While earning a PhD in Earth System Science at Stanford University, Natan played in the Stanford Philharmonia, sang in the University Singers, and played chamber music under the direction of members of the St. Lawrence String Quartet. He recently moved to the Los Angeles area for a job in the aerospace industry, and is excited to explore musical opportunities here.

Ryan Espinosa / Pianist

Ryan Espinosa is a freelance performer-composer and teacher based in Los Angeles. A California native, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from California Institute of the Arts in 2014 where he studied clarinet with William Powell and composition with Dr. Milen Kirov. In 2018, he earned his Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas in Clarinet performance, where he studied clarinet with Dr. John Scott and Daryl Coad. Additionally, throughout his education, Ryan Espinosa had studied vocal jazz performance with Anna Jalkéus, jazz arranging with Richard DeRosa, as well as African and South Indian music traditions from Andrew Grueschow and Poovalur Sriji, respectively. As a musician and educator, Ryan regularly performs music from various compositional styles and eras, but he is artistically committed to performing works of living composers. He has performed in numerous recitals and has participated in several recording sessions performing alongside some of the most respected players in the West Coast. In the summer of 2016, Espinosa participated in the Interharmony International Music Festival in Arcidosso, Italy, serving as principal clarinetist in the Interharmony Opera Orchestra. Ryan Espinosa is also professionally affiliated with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a fraternal organization dedicated to advancing music in America.  Ryan currently teaches as an applied music instructor at Los Angeles Pierce College.

Vivian, Xiaowei Wei / Violin 1

Vivian, Xiaowei Wei began her musical journey at a young age, studying under the tutelage of Russian violinist Gleb Dontsov. In 2021, she started studying viola with Yang Li. Vivian has had the honor of performing in numerous chamber and solo concerts at the Shenzhen Concert Hall in China. Vivian has actively participated in various masterclasses with distinguished musicians such as Ekaterina Frolova, Sergey Rashidovich Fatkulin, and Marianna Terteryan, further refining her skills and experience. Currently, Vivian is pursuing a double degree in Film Scoring and Music Business at UCLA and LACM. Her compositions have been recorded by musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic at EastWest Studios. Her journey is a testament to her commitment to excellence and her passion for music.

Paul Henning / Flute

Composer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Henning enjoys a versatile music career in both film and live performance. Paul has composed the original music for the feature documentaries Foreman, Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of our Lives, and The Town That Was. He has worked on the score orchestrations for over 50 feature films, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The BFG, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb and Chocolat. In addition to his film writing, Paul also works on orchestral arrangements that have received performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and London Symphony. As a violinist, Paul has performed with the Hollywood Studio Symphony on the soundtracks to Inside Out 2, Moana, Furious 7, Frozen, X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Maze Runner, Monsters University and Alice in Wonderland, among many others. He has also played violin for Barbra Streisand, Michael Bublé, Neil Young, Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. Paulserves as Concertmaster for the Golden State Pops Orchestra and Westside Chamber Orchestra. He has also played in the violin section of the Long Beach Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and New West Symphony. As a flutist, Paul plays with the South Bay Wind Ensemble and Palisades Symphony.  Paul grew up on his family's 135-year old wheat farm near Pullman, Washington. He studied music at the University of Southern California and Washington State University.

Julie Calvo / Oboe

Ingrid Hernandez / Principal Bassoon

Alex Pinto / Trumpet

Alex Pinto is a professional trumpet player, whistler, singer, and dedicated teacher. As a freelance trumpet player in the Los Angeles area, Alex has experience performing in a range of musical styles including classical, pops, big band, and small/chamber ensemble. Having studied under renowned performer and teacher Roy Poper at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Alex has a well-rounded musical education with skills in sight-reading, solo and orchestral performance, jazz improvisation, and more. Alex performs regularly with the Pasadena Community Orchestra, the Symphony of the Verdugos, the Southern California Brass Consortium, and at churches and other venues. Alex is a member of The Bread Quintet, a professional brass quintet based in the Los Angeles area, which has given multiple performances.  

Andrew Chow / Trombone

Andrew Cho is an aspiring student musician residing within the greater Los Angeles area. Forced to start piano lessons at a young age, he used to despise practicing and performing. It was not until his friend left him dumb-founded with her solo piano, did he grow to appreciate music more. During his time at Mark Keppel High School, he has performed for the city of Monterey Park and Alhambra for multiple occasions, such as Disney's Imagination Campus, the Southern California School California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) 4A Band Championship and the 2020 Rose Parade.

He currently is studying under Dr. Mark Miller at Pasadena City College where he frequents the latin jazz ensemble and orchestra. Outside of school, he is an active performer for the Eisner Intergenerational Big Band as well as the Loyola Law School (LLS) Orchestra.

Anna Reynolds / Harp

Anna Reynolds is a southern California based harpist with experience in playing for weddings, parties, and other events.  Anna holds an A.A. in music from Palomar College and is finishing a B.M. from Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach, studying under Ellie Choate.

Anna has recently performed with the San Diego Master Chorale, Synesthesia Sinfonietta in Los Angeles, and the Southern California Philharmonic.  In recording studios, Anna has played with Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles on their latest album: Así Soy, and San Diego-based singer-songwriter Olive Zalevsky.

Lynn Giam / Violin 1

Raised and born in Singapore, Lynn Giam is a double-degree graduate at the Oberlin College & Conservatory of Music, majoring in Economics and Violin Performance. In Oberlin, she studied with Gregory Fulkerson and Milan Vitek for her violin performance major and graduated with High Honors in Economics. Currently, she works as a research analyst in the finance field. At age 12, Lynn toured the UK with the Nanyang School of Fine Arts Young Artist Program to perform solo at Yehudi Menuhin School, Purcell School, and Chetham School of Music. Her other summer engagements include the International Academy of Pilsen 2011, Cambridge International Strings Academy 2012, Aspen Music Festival 2015, and Meadowmount School of Music 2016, where she studied with Stephen Shipps, Rodney Friend, David Halen, and Sally Thomas, respectively. She has also studied with Min Lee and Qian Zhou. Lynn received sponsorship from Culina Pte Ltd. and was a winner of the BRANDS® Music Changes Lives Competition 2011. She obtained a distinction from the Licentiate of Royal School of Music (LRSM) in violin performance. Lynn also plays the Erhu and won first prizes in the National Chinese Instrument Competition in the Intermediate (2008) and Junior Category (2006).Raised and born in Singapore, Lynn Giam is a double-degree graduate at the Oberlin College & Conservatory of Music, majoring in Economics and Violin Performance. In Oberlin, she studied with Gregory Fulkerson and Milan Vitek for her violin performance major and graduated with High Honors in Economics. Currently, she works as a research analyst in the finance field. At age 12, Lynn toured the UK with the Nanyang School of Fine Arts Young Artist Program to perform solo at Yehudi Menuhin School, Purcell School, and Chetham School of Music. Her other summer engagements include the International Academy of Pilsen 2011, Cambridge International Strings Academy 2012, Aspen Music Festival 2015, and Meadowmount School of Music 2016, where she studied with Stephen Shipps, Rodney Friend, David Halen, and Sally Thomas, respectively. She has also studied with Min Lee and Qian Zhou. Lynn received sponsorship from Culina Pte Ltd. and was a winner of the BRANDS® Music Changes Lives Competition 2011. She obtained a distinction from the Licentiate of Royal School of Music (LRSM) in violin performance. Lynn also plays the Erhu and won first prizes in the National Chinese Instrument Competition in the Intermediate (2008) and Junior Category (2006).

Amy Amatya / Violin 2

Amy Amatya is a violinist from, and based in, Los Angeles. Her music studies began with piano lessons at age 4. After spending her early youth performing and competing in piano, she discovered violin and fell in love quickly. By 17, she had already performed with symphonies like the NAfME All-National Orchestra; played venues like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Peacock Theater, and Grand Ole Opry; won local solo competitions; toured with chamber ensembles; gigged around LA; and backed the likes of Lindsey Stirling and Weird Al. She holds a bachelors in Geosciences from Princeton University. After a few years on the east coast working in climate science, she has returned to LA to gig and record for others, teach, and work on her solo folk project, Kaigara.

Maritza Ortiz / Violin 2

Maritza Ortiz started her musical journey as a child when she discovered the guitar and piano
with the help of her dad. At the age of twelve she attended a specialized middle/high school for music and arts, and her love for creating music really took off. At the age of thirteen she
discovered the violin and was so inspired, she completely fell in love with its unique beauty.
Maritza’s passion for music goes beyond the instrument itself, she feels the need to deliver her music to people of all ages. She realized music can make them feel empowered to pursue their own destiny. She also believes music can heal and touch their hearts, as well as put a smile on their faces.

Maritza attended the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, specializing in Violin Performance and Music Education studies. She has performed with different orchestras and ensembles since the age of fifteen, including, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, San Juan Pops Orchestra, Arturo Somohano Orchestra, Padre Soler Chamber Orchestra, the Conservatory Chamber Orchestra, the Conservatory of Music Symphony Orchestra, the Nova Orchestra and private venues, weddings and organizations.

She is classically trained but she is passionate about the different sounds and rhythms music
offers and loves incorporating her violin playing with them. This includes pop, salsa, latin jazz,
rock, and many more. Maritza has also collaborated on multiple recordings sessions and
albums throughout the years. Having started her musical journey in San Juan, Puerto Rico, her
love for music has taken her through different cities in the United States including Louisiana,
Texas, and Florida and the Caribbean islands of Saint Thomas and Aruba.

She moved to Los Angeles in 2015 with her family to follow her passion for music and to give
her daughter Nicole the opportunity to further develop herself as a young artist,
singer-songwriter, and actress, in the city of Los Angeles.

In addition to performing, Maritza’s passion for music has also been transmitted to her students through her violin, cello and piano lessons. She believes that anyone can learn, at any age, and believes that music is a great contributor to early child development, because it demands discipline and a mindset that can make other interests more doable

Marcos Ikino / Viola

Marcos Ikino is a violinist and violist from Los Angeles, CA. As a string player, Marcos holds leadership positions with several orchestras and chamber groups throughout LA, has performed as a soloist, and has even played on tour with musical group The Piano Guys. Marcos has played in renowned venues throughout South America, Europe, and the US such as Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, The New World Center, Esterhazy Palace, and the Rudolfinum. Marcos is also an accomplished pianist and organist, serving as the assistant organist at his church, and as the organ accompanist for the LA Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, where he has performed as a soloist on the Walt Disney Concert Hall organ. Marcos has won the Southwestern Youth Music Festival, MTAC Baroque Festival, and Jazz Festival in piano.Marcos Ikino is a violinist and violist from Los Angeles, CA. As a string player, Marcos holds leadership positions with several orchestras and chamber groups throughout LA, has performed as a soloist, and has even played on tour with musical group The Piano Guys. Marcos has played in renowned venues throughout South America, Europe, and the US such as Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, The New World Center, Esterhazy Palace, and the Rudolfinum. Marcos is also an accomplished pianist and organist, serving as the assistant organist at his church, and as the organ accompanist for the LA Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, where he has performed as a soloist on the Walt Disney Concert Hall organ. Marcos has won the Southwestern Youth Music Festival, MTAC Baroque Festival, and Jazz Festival in piano.

Fulong Huang / Viola

Fulong Huang began playing the viola in middle school, and it has since become his greatest passion. Over the years, he has performed in several casual orchestras as a hobby, but recently, he has sought to deepen his commitment to music. He began taking private lessons to refine his technique and has actively pursued opportunities to join more orchestras, aiming to enhance his skills, connect with fellow musicians, and explore a variety of musical genres.

Dorian Monroy / Viola

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Dorian Monroy started playing the violin/viola at the performing arts charter, Renaissance Arts Academy. He also attended the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at Cal State Long Beach. He currently plays in orchestras in the Los Angeles area.

Harold Castro / Flute

Harold Castro is an active performer and recording artist in the Los Angeles and Orange County area. 

Harold has performed in numerous ensembles. Such as the Long Beach Summer Band - where he served as principal flutist, CSUF Symphonic Winds, CSUF Wind Symphony, Chapman University Honor Band, & Whittier Union High School District Honor Band - conducted by Anthony Parnther. He now forms part of the Loyola Law School Orchestra and he also regularly performs with the Synesthesia Sinfonietta orchestra.

He has also performed in original recordings as a studio musician, including works such as ‘The Wizard’ by Giovanni Santos, accompanying Clarinet Virtuoso, Manuel Martínez, & ‘Terbeau Ranch Overture’ by Isaiah Castro.
Harold has won awards such as: First Place in the Southwestern Youth Music Festival (twice), Finalist Certification at the Santa Monica Conservatory of Music Flute Competition, Certification of Conducting: Level 1 from the Drum Major Leadership Academy, Most Outstanding Award from the Santa Fe High School Wind Ensemble, & Outstanding Musicianship Award at Forum Music Festivals.

Aaron Colon / Bassoon

Alexis Winchell / Horn

Davis Lerner / Bassoon

Jake Wang / Horn

Born in Shanghai, Jake is a second-year Master’s student at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, specializing in Immunology and Immune Therapeutics. With over 15 years of classical French horn training beginning in primary school, he currently serves as the principal horn of the USC Student Symphony Orchestra. He is also active in chamber music, performing regularly with brass and woodwind quintets.

Kathryin Peterson / Horn

Kathryn is the Vice President of Growth & Business Development at leading global talent, sports, entertainment, and advisory company UTA. In her current role, she works alongside leadership to help determine and drive strategic initiatives at the nexus of celebrity, culture, and brands. She is particularly focused on developing new verticals and expanding top client relationships at the corporate level. Prior to UTA, Kathryn spent five years at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City where she helped launch the Strategy & Innovation arm, leading business development across various new growth initiatives. She began her career at Carnegie Hall as a member of the Development team. A lifelong musician, Kathryn studied piano from the age of 5 and went on to earn her diploma in French horn performance from the Juilliard School, and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Columbia Business School.

David Nguyen / Trombone

David, 18 years old, is a student currently studying as a trombone, piano performance double major. Debuting with the RPO in 2024, he has most recently performed Chopin's 1st piano concerto in March of this year. He is now preparing a sophomore recital, and for a solo performance of Blue Bells of Scotland in Irvine. (as of Aug 2025).

Ariel (Ari) Sol / Harp

Ariel Sol pioneers the future of sound as an LA-based, composer, harpist, and interactive media designer. Hailing from Chicago, he is passionate about bridging disciplines to foster community. From cinematic pop to virtual reality soundscapes- storytelling, identity, empowerment, and technology form his intersectional approach to the music of today. Ari was the 3rd prize winner of the 2024 World Harp Competition, the 2023 recipient of the Society for Electroacoustic Music in the United States’ Allen Strange Award, and a 2022 Young Artist in Residence of American Public Media. An active source of new harp music, Ari won the 2021 USA International Harp Composition Competition and has been recognized twice as a Featured Young Composer of the American Harp Society. He is excited to be here today joining the LLS Orchestra!

Sophia Olienacz / Harp

Sophia Oleniacz is a Los Angeles-born music educator with a passion for fostering creativity and expression through sound. This year, after spending eight years as a general elementary and music teacher, she left the classroom to study audio engineering and music technology. A harpist at heart, she recently returned to the instrument after a long break and is thrilled to be playing and performing again.

Cassandra Nevarez / Violin

Cassandra is an LA based violinist and educator. Passionate about diversifying her experience as a musician, she has played in various symphonies, chamber ensembles, Afro-Latin ensembles, recording studios, pit orchestras, solo work, contemporary ensembles, tour ensemble, church worship teams, and enjoys continuing to widen her palette. She has been teaching instrumental music in Pasadena for the last five years, having grown the strings department at her school from one class of seven students, to over 50 students and two classes in her time with PUSD. A proud Mexican-Samoan-American female educator, Cassandra strives to help carve a path for students to accomplish their goals. She received her B.M. in Music Education from Biola University '19, and her M.M. in Violin Performance from Cal State LA '24. In her spare time, Cassandra enjoys traveling, film photography, and trying new food spots with friends and family.

Anna Diachenko / Violin

Anna Diachenko is a Ukrainian-born violinist and former concertmaster of the Robert Schumann Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra and Young Philharmonie Cologne. She has performed as a soloist with the Cologne Philharmonic and Südwestdeutsche Philharmonie, and recorded with Kent Nagano and the Rachmaninov International Orchestra.
After completing her Master of Music at the Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf, Anna moved to the U.S., where she now serves as a music professor and orchestra director at a college in California. She remains active as a chamber musician, educator, and soloist, with a passion for meaningful music-making across cultures and communities.

Jane Kim / Violin

Born and raised in Chicago suburbs, Jane began learning the violin when she was 5 years old. Most of her childhood weekends were spent at Midwest Young Artist Conservatory programs. She continued to play in orchestras in college and grad school. In her work, Jane runs a music agency focused on management, A&R, and arts programming. She loves to play board games and runs a manga cafe pop up in her free time. 

Daphne Tsao / Violin

Daphne is the winner and recipient of several awards and prizes, from organizations such as the Taiwanese Bureau of Art and Culture, the Southwestern Youth Music Festival, the International Young Music Festival and the Madelyn Serbin Scholarship. She earned her B.A. in Violin Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, has studied with Curtis Macomber and Arianna Bronne. Daphne was the recipient of a full scholarship and teaching assistantship from New York University, where she received her Master’s Degree in Violin Performance. Daphne has been a member of the violin section in the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, the Uruek Symphony Orchestra, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra, the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra and the Water City Chamber Orchestra. She has played under the batons of leading conductors including Claudio Abbado, Kurt Masur, Leon Botstein, Zdenek Macal, Carl St. Clair, Yahja Lin and John Williams, and collaborated with a number of soloists including Lang Lang , Yuja Wang , Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman, Jean Yves Thibaudet, Sarah Chang, Steve Isserlis, Wendy Warner, Cho-Liang Jimmy Lin, Nai-Yuan Hu, Nathan Cole, Lucia Micarelli, Nadia Sonnenberg, Regina Carter, Mark O’ Connor, Maxim Vengerov and Dawn Upshaw. She has performed in numerous venues in New York City, including the Stern Auditorium, Perlman Stage, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center, as well as in Broadway and Off-Broadway theater productions such as Bright Star, Sweeney Todd, A Gentleman’s Guild to Love and Murder, Sunday in the Park with George, Mack and Mable, Shrek, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables, West Side Story, and Into the Woods, just to name a few. Well-versed in all styles of music, Daphne has also performed in Los Angeles with the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra in the Disney Concert Hall, with Googoosh in the Microsoft Theatre (formerly Nokia Theatre); with Moein in the Greek Theatre; Shawn Stockmen of Boyz II Men, Junho Son, Sohyun Kim, Eric Nam, actor Randall Park, Babyface at Disney Hall and with Singer Landy Wen and Lin You Chun in the Aria/MGM Chinese New Year Gala Concert. She can be found in various studios around Los Angeles such as the Village Recording Studio, the EastWest Studios, the Eastwood Scoring Stage, the Newman Scoring Stage, the Bridge Studio, the Westlake Studio, the Sony Pictures Scoring Stage and the Capital Records Studio with singer/ producer Alan Parson. Highlights for recording session work include films : “The Lord of the Rings”, “Inseparable” and Netflix show - “Chef’s Table” and NBC prime time show- “Days of Our Lives - Beyond Salem“. She also performed the American National Anthem for the Green Bay Packers of the NFL at the Lambeau Field Stadium and also in 2019 for Magic Johnson, she recorded for “The Super Bowl Today“ aired on CBS in the Eastwood Scoring Stage at Warner Bros. Studios. She played for the soundtrack and appeared in the last scene of the winner of the 96th Academy award for the Best Documentary Short Film: "The Last Repair Shop.”

Debbie Ignacio-Birgean / Associate Principal Viola

Debbie Ignacio-Birgean, Viola, grew up in Romania with a big passion for music. She attended the National College of Art “Ion Vidu” in Timișoara and The Master’s University in Santa Clarita. She is currently working on getting her artist certificate degree at Azusa Pacific University where she studies under professor Hui Liu. Mrs. Ignacio-Birgean was the principal violist for the Romanian National Youth Orchestra and The Master’s University Orchestra. She was the soloist for Herbert Howells’ Elegy (Viola, String Quartet, String Orchestra) with The Master’s University Orchestra in 2021.

Nia McQuarters / Viola

Nia is a recent graduate from the University of Oregon, with a Bachelors in Viola Performance and a minor in Spanish. She has studied the viola for 15 years. During that time, she has played with Orchestra Next as a part of the Eugene Ballet’s pit orchestra, NYO2 in Carnegie Hall and The New World Center, and as a part of the University of Oregon’s Symphony Orchestra. Nia has also performed a variety of string quartet works as a member of the University of Oregon’s Undergraduate String Quartet, and is currently a part of a viola-cello duo with her brother. When she isn’t preparing for graduate school auditions, she enjoys rollerskating, fencing, and traveling.

Marissa Nicole Katz / Viola

Marissa Katz is a classically trained violist and music attorney in Los Angeles. Marissa began her studies at the age of 3 in the Chicago area. She obtained her Bachelor of Music from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in Music Instrumental Performance. While obtaining her BM, Marissa studied under Jodi Levitz, alongside esteemed faculty members such as Charles Castleman and Gerard Schwarz. Marissa also studied at the Castleman Quartet Program during her collegiate years. Throughout her four years, Marissa taught viola and violin lessons at the Donna E. Shalala Music Reach Program. Prior to college, Marissa studied under Christine Due and at the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, where she was in their top symphony and chamber music programs. Marissa currently resides in Los Angeles, where she continues to perform with various local orchestras, while also taking on gigs and studio session work. Marissa was recently the featured violist in the movie The Matriarch. After obtaining her B.M. from the University of Miami, Marissa earned her Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School’s SCALE 2-year accelerated program. Marissa currently practices entertainment and music law at Cutting Edge Group in Beverly Hills.

Ivan Law / Cello

Ivan Law is an African-American Cellist based in Los Angeles, California; where he leads an active career as a teacher and performer. He holds a Bachelors Degree for the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and a Masters Degree from West Virginia University (WVU). His previous teachers include Dr. Erin Ellis, Jennifer Kloetzel and Thomas Mesa. As an avid chamber musician, Ivan has performed with various groups, including the UCSB Undergraduate Honors String Quartet and the Montani String Quartet at WVU. As a chamber musician, he has performed a wide variety of repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary; including the works of Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Caroline Shaw, Andrea Casarrubios, and more. In August of 2022, he had the opportunity to perform in a string quartet at the Kotor Art Festival in Kotor, Montenegro, and at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California; debuting four new works for String Quartet and performing two pieces by Joseph Haydn and Antonin Dvorak. Ivan has also performed in various orchestras in Santa Barbara, including the UCSB Chamber Orchestra, Westmont College Orchestra, Santa Barbara Chamber Players Orchestra, and the Santa Barbara Solstice Chamber Orchestra. He held the principal seat of the UCSB Chamber Orchestra for a year. In the greater Morgantown area, Ivan has performed in the Washington Symphony Orchestra, the Monongalia Symphony Orchestra and the WVU Symphony Orchestra. He held the position of principal in the WVU Symphony Orchestra for two years. Ivan also has had the opportunity to play in masterclasses with world-renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Alisa Weilerstein, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Angela Park, Caroline Shaw, the Danish String Quartet, the Juilliard String Quartet, the Brentano String Quartet and the Attacca String Quartet. 

Nick Alvarez / Cello

Dr. Nick Alvarez has enjoyed an eclectic career as a cellist and music educator. Prior to moving to Southern California, he performed regularly with the Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Opera the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, and the El Paso Symphony in Los Angeles, he has played recording sessions for motion pictures and performed with various ensembles. A passionate music educator, Alvarez has maintained private cello studios in Texas and Arizona and currently teaches Suzuki and Traditional Strings at Viewpoint School in Calabasas, California. Aside from his teaching duties at Viewpoint, he serves on the board of the California, Los Angeles chapter of the American String Teachers Association (CalASTA). Alvarez holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from Arizona State University, a Master of Music from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of North Texas.

Matthew Ignacio / Cello

Matthew Ignacio is a Los Angeles-based native who works as a registered nurse by day and freelances by night. Having had a love to care for the health of others both medically and musically, he seeks to encourage others to rejoice in God, who supplies everything needed in life. He studied cello performance since the age of 12 and attended the Colburn School of Music, having studied under Dr. Richard Naill. He also studied piano performance and attended the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, having studied under Dr. Bernadene Blaha.

Daseul Christina Lee / Bass

Daseul Christina Lee is a Korean-born classically trained double bassist who has performed across Europe, Asia, and North America as a soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician. She has appeared at major venues including Konzerthaus Vienna, Smetana Hall in Prague, and Victoria Hall in Geneva. A recipient of multiple scholarships, she studied at the National University of Singapore (YSTCM), Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, and the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne (Switzerland), where she became the first Korean double bassist to graduate with top honors. She has performed at various international festivals such as Davos, Gstaad, Sion, and Megève, and played with orchestras including the Valais Chamber Orchestra, Menuhin Academy and Geneva Symphony Orchestra.  Most recently based in Kyoto, Japan, where she performed as a soloist and guest member of several orchestras.

Colin Wyse / Bass

Colin Wyse is a fourth-year psychology student currently studying at UCLA. He started playing the double bass at age 10 and began studying the Rabbath method with Cielito de Jesus. He has had the privilege of touring Spain with his high school orchestra playing at some of the most famous concert halls in the country such as Palau de la Música Catalana. Along with the LLS Orchestra, Colin regularly plays with the SMC Symphony and UCLA Symphony.

Julian Pulido / Principal Trombone

Julian was born and raised in Los Angeles Ca. Attended Hamilton high school Academy of music in Los Angeles. He studied with Terry Cravens at USC and graduated from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music where he was a Trombone performance (Studying under Milton Stevens and James Desano) and Law and Society major. Julian was an officer in the United States Marine Corps where he had the privilege of playing and performing with the III MEF band while stationed on Okinawa Japan. When not working full time as a Business sales manager supporting various commercial and construction companies in Southern California, Julian is a member and performs regularly with the Los Angeles Symphonic Winds, Millennial Choir Orchestra of California, Redlands University Chamber Orchestra and Saddleback Community College Wind Ensembles and Orchestra. Music has always been a passion of Julian and has driven him to succeed in all aspects of his life.

Katie Hoover / Viola

Katie Hoover is a 1L at Loyola Law School.  She is a classically trained violist and has played in orchestras and chamber groups for over a decade. She studied music composition at Dartmouth College and enjoys composing and songwriting outside of her studies.

Beverly Shih / Viola

Beverly dabbled in several instruments before discovering her passion for viola, and occasionally still discreetly revisits the piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, and (less discreetly) pocket trumpet and harmonica. As a classically trained violist, she has performed in numerous orchestras and small ensembles in her home state of Washington and alma mater UCLA. While at UCLA, she served as principal violist, chamber program director, and executive director of the 100+ member Game Music Ensemble. Beverly is also a musical theatre aficionado, participating in over a dozen productions in the pit orchestra, and countless others from the audience. Other gigs have taken her everywhere from anime conventions to Downton Abbey-themed house parties. Outside of performing music, Beverly works in the music industry as a data analyst; outside of music, she isn't much at all.

Jeff Teng / Principal Violin 2

Jeff is an electrical engineer by trade, but a musician at heart. Even while studying engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, he always found ways to connect to others through orchestral or chamber performance. Outside of nerdy interests like engineering and classical music, he is also an avid foodie, and enjoys traveling in search of unique food and drink experiences.

Samantha Rosas / Viola

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Samantha participated in Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, Pasadena Youth Symphony, and LACHSA. Since receiving her Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Sacramento State University, Samantha has participated in various productions, some of which include: Weezer with the LA Phil and YOLA, Billie Eilish's grammy nominated, A Happily Ever After: A Love Letter to Los Angeles, and recent performances at the Hollywood bowl Gwen Stefani and Khruangbin. Samantha has held various positions in administrative capacities with the Harmony Project Los Angeles, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, and LA Philharmonic. Samantha currently serves as Recruitment Specialist and Board Liaison at NPR’s From The Top.

Andrea Martinez / Viola

Andrea Martinez began her viola studies around the age of twelve. She is currently pursuing a BM in Viola Performance at California State University, Los Angeles under the instruction of Marta Honer and Dr. Patti Kilroy. Andrea is an Alumni of Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts and Youth Orchestra of Los Angels, EXPO site. She has had the privilege of studying and performing in institutions such as the New England Conservatory, New York University, and in Northern California during summer workshops throughout the years. Andrea is currently involved with Heart of Los Angeles Eisner Intergenerational Orchestra, the LLS Orchestra at Loyola Marymount University, and with The Abiding Church.

Jordan Rosas / Oboe

A native of Buffalo, NY, Jordan Rosas began playing oboe in 4th grade, earning all-county and all-state honors for both oboe and voice before graduating from Clarence High School. He studied music education at Ithaca College and holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University at Buffalo. He has studied with members of the Buffalo Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra and his private teachers include Mary Kay Ortolano and Dr. Paige Morgan. The son of a Latin percussionist and grandson of a salsa singer, Jordan enjoys a wide range of musical styles. He has dabbled in cello, trombone, clarinet, and also sings with the Los Angeles Estonian Choir. His favorite composers include Dvorák, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Gershwin, John Williams, Arvo Pärt, Arturo Marquez, and Eric Whitacre. Outside music he enjoys reading, martial arts, fitness, and billiards.