CELBRATING OUR 2025-26 GRADUATES
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 GRADUATING SENIORS
We wish you every success. May music always be a meaningful part of your lives!
We asked our 10 graduating seniors—the Class of 2026—to tell us a bit about themselves and their plans. Here are their stories!
Addison Ma
How long have you been in LAYO?
I have been in LAYO since 2022.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
In my first year of high school, I lacked a solid musical community to connect to. I knew I wanted to continue playing in an orchestra with fellow students like me, but I never knew exactly where to go. I had made a couple of friends with interests in all sorts of music, but they did not have any opinions on classical music or play it at all. I was seeking a space dedicated to challenging their musicians while actively supporting friendships made along the way. Conveniently enough, my music instructor recommended that I play with LAYO in 2022, and I have not looked back since.
What are some of your best memories?
Some of my favorite moments came from the Prague and Vienna tour in 2024. Despite the heat and lingering jet lag, my friends and I were creating core memories I still think about today. The bus rides from location to location became time for us to talk, joke around, and analyze each other's music and compare distinctive parts. In general, at every LAYO concert, I loved attending the final onstage rehearsal. It served as a reminder that the LAYO season was coming to an end once more, but allowed me to enjoy what we had spent so much time perfecting together one last time before performing for an audience.
What’s next for you?
Wherever life takes me in the chapter of my life, I'll make sure to always bring my double bass. Hopefully in college I'll meet people from all over the country who share my appreciation for classical music.
Monica Lee
How long have you been in LAYO?
Four years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to challenge myself to play original classical repertoire to improve my technique.
What are some of your best memories?
Performing at the Rudolfinum and the Haydnsaal and visiting food spots around Vienna and Prague with my now close friends.
What’s next for you?
I plan to attend a four year university. I hope to become a knowledgeable and empathetic physician in the future.
Payton Lin
How long have you been in LAYO?
I've been in LAYO for 4 years, starting in August 2022.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to wanted to be a part of LAYO to continue to advance as a classical musician in a more serious orchestra outside of school, while also being able to make new friends and travel abroad.
What are some of your best memories?
Touring Vienna and Prague is definitely my favorite LAYO memory: performing in venues like the Esterhazy Palace, and making friends that I still continue to keep in touch with now two years later.
What’s next for you?
I'll be attending college in the fall, likely in CA, and I'm hoping to major in Business or Public Affairs. I'm also excited to be touring one last time with LAYO this summer and performing at Carnegie Hall!
Lucas Peng
How long have you been in LAYO?
Three years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to join an orchestra since my high school didn't offer one. I didn't want that to stop me so I chose to join LAYO.
What are some of your best memories?
My best memories were meeting new people, playing all types of music, and performing in incredible concert halls.
What’s next for you?
I'm hoping to continue my education at a 4-year university, namely UCSD, where I aim to pursue astrophysics.
Matteo Mazzie
How long have you been in LAYO?
Three years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to play music that I enjoyed, especially symphonic works that I loved listening to. I had previously only been part of bands, so I joined LAYO to gain orchestra experience.
What are some of your best memories?
I loved playing the Pastoral Symphony at amazing concert halls in Vienna and Prague and exploring the two cities!
What’s next for you?
I plan to study molecular biology/ecology in college, but I'll continue playing the clarinet in chamber ensembles or in the school's orchestra.
Maegan Daley
How long have you been in LAYO?
Five years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to a part of LAYO because I wanted to play in an advanced orchestra with new people all across Los Angeles. I've been in other orchestras in the past but wanted to play more challenging symphonies in an orchestra under coaches like Niv and Russell.
What are some of your best memories?
Going to Vienna and Prague and seeing the sunrise, making new friends, talking with Jorge, and having concert days. I'm really happy to have been a part of such a close community that enjoys creating music together.
What's next for you?
Attending a 4-year college to study Biology or Pharmaceutical Science.
Ethan Blacker
How long have you been in LAYO?
Three years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I initially joined LAYO because the trip to Vienna and Prague seemed like too good of an opportunity to pass up. I also had not played in an orchestra since before the pandemic and I wanted to be part of one again.
What are some of your best memories?
My favorite memories are from the Vienna and Prague trip. Playing at the historic venues and exploring the museums with friends was incredible. The little moments with friends during rehearsals and before concerts are also quite memorable.
What’s next for you?
College. As of writing this, I don't know where yet though.
Val Estrada
How long have you been in LAYO?
One year.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to join LAYO to experience an outside of school orchestra before I get to college, and some of my friends are in it which is an extra bonus.
What are some of your best memories?
Some of my best memories are hanging out with my friends and enjoying the music making process.
What’s next for you?
I plan on continuing to study violin in college and I would love to have a professional violin career on the side as I focus on making more money.
Donghee Kim
How long have you been in LAYO?
Five years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I had never been part of an orchestra before and I wanted to experience more opportunities as a young musician. I thought that joining LAYO as a violinist would be the perfect way to further my involvement with classical music, which is one of my greatest passions and hobbies.
What are some of your best memories?
My best memories definitely come from the summer tours in LAYO. I remember the 2022 Carnegie Hall and 2024 Vienna & Prague tours in great detail, including how I met the friends that I still talk to consistently. The best memories came with them and the fact that I was able to build those connections that I will permanently carry with me. I am deeply grateful that I was fortunate enough to join a program as fantastic as LAYO and for the way that it has shaped my life.
What’s next for you?
Though I had previously struggled with narrowing down exactly what direction to take in my life due to the variety and number of passions of mine, my current plan for the future is to pursue law. As I continue to explore the legal world in college, I know that I will simultaneously further my hobbies like learning about ocean and animal science, classical music, and language learning.
Emily Bergstrom
How long have you been in LAYO?
One semester.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I had heard about LAYO from a friend who recommended it. Since it is my senior year, and I wanted a full orchestra experience that my school doesn't offer, I was excited to join. It has been a great venue to continue working on my skills.
What are some of your best memories?
I enjoyed getting to know my fellow musicians and their backgrounds. I learned a lot in the sectionals, which helped me improve my overall playing.
What’s next for you?
I'm planning to go to college to study Zoology and conservation. While I won't be majoring in music, I intend to join my school's orchestra and an occasional chamber group and keep playing.
CELBRATING OUR 2024-25 GRADUATES
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 GRADUATING SENIORS
We asked our 13 graduating seniors—the Class of 2025—to tell us a bit about themselves and their plans. Here are their stories!
Joshua Golshani
How long have you been in LAYO?
Two years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
To get more opportunities to play with others, become better, learn more about music, and to meet new people.
What are some of your best memories?
Getting to visit Europe for the first time.
What’s next for you?
Going to community college probably with a focus on computer engineering, or some other kind of science.
Beatrice Jiang
How long have you been in LAYO?
Four years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I joined LAYO to be part of a community that shares my love for classical music. It’s given me the chance to collaborate with talented musicians, perform incredible orchestral works, and take my musicianship to the next level.
What are some of your best memories?
Performing at the legendary Carnegie Hall during LAYO's New York tour was a surreal experience. I also had an amazing time traveling through Europe and playing in historic venues on the Prague/Vienna tour. These concert tours gave me unforgettable musical memories and helped me meet some of my closest friends.
What’s next for you?
I hope to attend college and pursue a career as an electrical engineer and researcher.
Daniella Traum
How long have you been in LAYO?
Three years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to be part of LAYO because I wanted the viola to be a bigger part of my life. Joining a youth orchestra allowed me to play more music and meet other musicians.
What are some of your best memories?
Some of my favorite memories are definitely from the Europe tour. The beautiful towns I walked through and palaces we toured were amazing! The rose garden in Vienna was absolutely gorgeous!! I’ll never forget Excalibur City upon arriving in Czechia. I am so thankful this group brought me to so many amazing places.
What’s next for you?
I’m super excited to study public policy at Cornell. I plan to focus on environmental issues and continue playing the viola in college.
Leena Adeli
How long have you been in LAYO?
Since August 2016.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I have been playing the violin since first grade and was part of the elementary school orchestra. My older sister, Layla, joined LAYO in January 2016, and we traveled to Italy with her for the 10-day Italy tour. I was hooked. I wanted the same experience.
What are some of your best memories?
There are so many amazing memories from my years at LAYO. Making new friends outside of my school friends is one great experience. But of course performing at concert halls such as Walt Disney Concert Hall and Carnegie Hall are some of the most memorable experiences.
What’s next for you?
So far I have been accepted to three "early action" universities. I will hear from the rest in March and will then make my decision. I plan on pursuing a career in public and global health. I hope to join a chamber group so music can continue to be part of my life.
Andre Huaman
How long have you been in LAYO?
Four years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to continue pursuing music into high school, continue to challenge myself, and grow as a musician.
What are some of your best memories?
Performing in Carnegie Hall was a life-changing experience. I felt like my whole life and work as a musician had led up to that moment. I also loved walking through Prague and Vienna with my friends as well as performing there.
What’s next for you?
I am off to college to study chemistry but hopefully also still pursue music. I want music to continue being a part of my life, and I intend to follow that.
Jasmine Kao
How long have you been in LAYO?
Four years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to be a part of LAYO because my best friend, Emily, was initially a part of the symphony ensemble. LAYO provided me an amazing opportunity to create music amongst talented musicians and create lifelong friendships that I will forever treasure.
What are some of your best memories?
My favorite memories were made during the New York and Vienna/Prague tours. All the friendships and memories I've made through simple things like sitting together near the back of the bus and playing charades together after dinner—these are ones I will never forget.
What’s next for you?
I will be going to college pursuing a pre-med track in osteopathic medicine. When I write this, I do not know where I will be committing to, but, hopefully, somewhere I will succeed.
James Ball
How long have you been in LAYO?
Since seventh grade.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to be a part of a community of musicians that play music at a high caliber. LAYO has given me the opportunity to appreciate and play music that I enjoy with people I enjoy playing it with. It’s given me a new perspective on what it means to be a trumpet player, as classical style is different from jazz or band music.
What are some of your best memories?
Going to Vienna and Prague and playing in fantastic concert halls, walking through history as we did, with great friends along the way. These were not only my favorite experiences in LAYO, but some of the best experiences of my life. The connection I made with the music and the new friends I bonded with was an unmatched experience.
What’s next for you?
I plan to go to college (not decided yet) and study engineering or physics. I’m interested in quantum computing, and I hope to make innovations and progress in that field. I also want to continue my music interests in college by joining an orchestra or band of some sort or perhaps minoring in music.
Lilith Humphrey
How long have you been in LAYO?
Since fall 2022.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
When I transferred schools in 10th grade, my new school didn't have an orchestra. I discovered LAYO, auditioned, and was so happy to have found a new musical community.
What are some of your best memories?
Vienna and Prague, mainly! Late hotel room nights, the best bratwurst I've ever had, playing in Esterházy Palace, meeting so many friends. I cherish them all!
What's next for you?
In the fall I'll be off to college, likely on the East Coast. I don't know what I want to study, but I hope to publish my novel and keep playing percussion! Here's to 25 more years of LAYO!
Matheus Koo
How long have you been in LAYO?
Three years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I joined LAYO to find a community of people who share my musical interests and passion for performance.
What are some of your best memories?
I’ll always remember our inspiring pre-concert talks, the thrill of entering new concert halls, and our unforgettable NYC trip, which culminated in a performance at Carnegie Hall.
What’s next for you?
This fall I'll be attending Cornell to study business. While music won't be my major, I plan to continue playing the clarinet in college through jazz combos and similar ensembles.
Isaiah-Leonard Dorado
How long have you been in LAYO?
Three semesters.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
My friend Apollo recommended that I join, and I auditioned. Other people in my school’s orchestra were also members of LAYO.
What are some of your best memories?
Seeing other musicians and people dedicated to making music. I also really enjoyed learning from the coaches, and the rehearsals when the conductor teaches.
What’s next for you?
I want to keep music in my life somehow, but I’m not sure what path I’d like to take next. I would like to at least learn more about music in college.
Annalisa Hurd
How long have you been in LAYO?
Three years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to be in an orchestra that played advanced repertoire and went on tours, but also had a supportive and nurturing environment. LAYO had all of that and more.
What are some of your best memories?
Playing in amazing venues and hanging out with friends on the Vienna/Prague tour, and finding incredible friends through LAYO that I wouldn't have met otherwise.
What’s next for you?
I'm still waiting on my decisions, but I'll be going to college next year, majoring in biochemistry, and playing in the college orchestra wherever I go.
Audrey Li
How long have you been in LAYO?
Since fall 2023.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to join LAYO to gain more experience playing symphonic pieces, further develop my musical skills, and meet new people.
What are some of your best memories?
Some of my best memories come from the Vienna and Prague tour. Immersing myself in the culture, music, and environment was an incredible experience, especially sharing it with friends.
What’s next for you?
I plan to study English with a pre-law focus in college.
Samira Shokrian
How long have you been in LAYO?
Five years.
Why did you want to be a part of LAYO?
I wanted to be involved in a local orchestra and meet people with similar musical interests as my own.
What are some of your best memories?
Some of my best memories are hanging out with my friends before concerts and during dress rehearsals.
What’s next for you?
I am very excited to play cello in my college's orchestra. While I may not be on track to be a professional musician, I hope to continue playing into adulthood.