Music & Performance

11 Years of Viola

Holding my viola in 6th grade

My musical journey with the viola started in 4th grade through the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) music program. I began taking lessons in 5th grade under the direction of Dr. Lindsey Strand-Polyak. I have now played the viola for 11 years and music has contributed to so many of my most special experiences and memories. Through various fundraiser performances, seasonal concerts, weddings, and tours, I’ve met incredible people and made life-long friends.

Orchestra Tours

New York, USA (2022)

Symphony Orchestra group photo on the Rockefeller Building

In June 2022, the Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI) Symphony Orchestra, a full orchestra comprised of over 80 student musicians toured New York City, performing at Carnegie Hall and St. Malachy Church. During the tour we attended workshops and master-classes.

Ireland (2023)

Chamber Orchestra performing in Dublin

In April 2023, the SAMOHI Chamber Orchestra, an ensemble made of the first two rows of strings from the Symphony Orchestra toured Ireland, performing in Derry, Belfast, and Dublin. One of my favorite pieces from the program was Elgar’s Introduction & Allegro for Strings, Op. 47. The piece was written for a string quartet and accompanying string ensemble. I performed the viola solo in the quartet and had a great time performing with my friends.

Private & Public Gigs

Musicians at a Samohi Orchestra fundraiser gig

As the Principal of the SAMOHI Chamber Orchestra for 2 years, I played in over 50 string ensemble gigs. As the orchestra librarian, I also selected repetoire and repaired sheet music for performances. Gig events include: Weddings, birthdays, memorials, fundraisers, private dinners, and award ceremories. Gig venues included: Los Angeles Country Club, Jonathan Club, Culver Hotel, Indigo Hotel, Santa Monica Pier, elementary schools, and various homes.

Honor Orchestras

Playing my viola at a CODA rehearsal

I’ve been a part of the California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) for 4 years and the Sourthern California Band & Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) for 5 years, sitting Assistant Principal for 1 year and Principal for 3 years. Each year 100+ students apply for CODA and 60+ students for SCSBOA. Musicians are selected via audition to come together for a week to prepare a concert at the music educator conferences in Fresno, CA and Orange County, CA.

Recordings & Compositions

Playing music outside with friends

I love playing duets with recordings of myself or digital instruments, and throughout the years I’ve started writing down my compositions. After class and on weekends, I also enjoy learning pop songs with my friends, pianist, Kai Mawhinney, and vocalist and guitarist, Emmett Levine. We often improvise together and have performed on the Claremont College student radio, KSPC, and at Emmett’s Guitar Club recitals.