Ashley Ahn is a sophomore at Branham High School who has been playing the piano since she was five. In addition to piano, she plays the alto saxophone and synthesizer in her school’s wind ensemble and marching band. Ashley has won first place in the US International Open Music Competition and third place in the United Stars Music Competition. She also participated as a pianist in the 2024 CASMEC All-State Symphonic Band.
Sylvie Lee is a junior at Valley Christian High School in San Jose. She has been playing the violin since she was eleven years old. Since then, she has continuously vigorously prepared for and won numerous awards from the American Protege, San Francisco International Innovative Music competition, IYMC, etc. Her love for music extends further at Almaden Youth Musicians, where she was recently elected as president to serve the nonprofit. She is part of the mentee for her students helping them grow their love for the violin as part of the mentor-mentee program, as well as an active violin player contributing in spreading their motto, “Spread Love through Music.” Outside of her violin career, she contributes in many other communities like volunteering at her local Korean school, treasurer of veterinary studies club at her school, praise team at her church, and more.
Mary Juhee Lee, born in California in 2010, is an 8th-grade student at Sunnyvale Middle School with a deep passion for the viola. She has been playing for five years and has been a committed member of the Emmanuel Youth Orchestra for three years. Her love for the viola goes beyond personal practice, as she actively participates in her school orchestra and teaches her peers. Mary’s dedication to music earned her the 2023/24 Orchestra Director’s Award, recognizing her talent and hard work. She finds joy in both solo and ensemble performances, always striving to share the beauty of the viola with others. With her passion driving her forward, Mary looks forward to continuing her musical journey and inspiring others through her performances and love for the instrument.
Hannah Hongjoo Nam, a 17-year-old cellist from Mountain View, CA, began in third grade, studying under Dr. Hyunji Choi in Maryland. In Maryland, she performed as a cellist with the Peabody Youth Orchestra(PYO), The Peabody Ensemble, and The Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra(BSYO). Transitioning to California, she’s now under Ms. Bobae Lee’s tutelage, winning accolades like 2nd in 2023 Silicon Valley Music Competition and 1st in 2024 San Francisco International Young Artist Music Festival. Now playing in the California Youth Symphony(CYS) and Almaden Youth Musicians(AYM). She has performed in South Korea, El Salvador, Guatemala, Italy, Slovenia, The Czech Republic, Maryland and California, giving courage and comfort to many people through her cello performances. Outside music, she is an active teaching leader in the Speech & Debate Club Los Altos High School. She enjoys reading, swimming and traveling.
Ein Jung is an 11th grader at Lynbrook High School. Her journey with piano first started at the age of 10 with the teachings of Jeeae Kim, and she was eventually introduced to the bass when she was 13. Throughout her musical journey, she has participated in various competitions and achieved rankings ranging from first to third in prestigious competitions like the International Open Music Festival, San Francisco International Innovative Music Competition, the BAMA competition, global Bay Area competition, esteemed International Youth Music Competition, and many more. She has been invited multiple times to perform at distinguished events such as the American Protégé International in Carnegie Hall, where she went with her Symphony Orchestra in April of 2024, and the Bach Music Festival. Ein has reached level 10 in both Piano Theory and repertoire, and she continues to practice hard to improve both her piano and bass skills. She has been the piano and bass section leader in the Lynbrook High School String Orchestra, and she currently serves as a bassist in the Lynbrook Chamber Orchestra.
Watch Ashley Ahn, Sylvie Lee, Mary Juhee Lee, Hannah Hongjoo Nam, and Ein Jung perform “Trout” Quintet, 4th Movement by Franz Peter Schubert on the piano, violin, viola, cello, and bass for the 2024 Autumn Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.