The Los Angeles Youth Orchestra is made up of an incredible body of musicians – past and present – and we celebrate them all!
Our Students
- Our musicians: The magic of LAYO is that it attracts both students headed to conservatories and college music programs, as well as students who love music but aspire to other careers. Combining their collective talent, intellectual curiosity, and discipline, LAYO students transcend their technical limitations to interpret and perform programs that model professional orchestras more than conventional youth orchestras. Read some of their stories below.
- Our recent grads: We bid a very fond farewell to another graduating class this season! We wish them well in all their future endeavors. Check out what they have to say about their time at LAYO, and their plans for the future!
- Our Alums: We have created an online Alum E-book which features our alums going back through our 25 year history. Check out their amazing stories!
Amber Daughtry - Violin 2006-2013
“Being a part of LAYO for seven years has nurtured my growth as a musician and as a human being. I feel immensely privileged to have studied orchestral music under the direction of Dr. Russell Steinberg and be influenced and educated under his expertise. Now that I am teaching and working with various musical organizations, I carry the values and standards that were set during my time at LAYO and instill them into my own students. “
Cameron Bly - Cello 2015-2017
“I am currently a first year at Brown University studying architecture and economics. While music is not my main focus, I am continuing my studies in cello here at Brown. I am currently in the Brown University Orchestra, and I play in a string quartet as well. LAYO holds a special place in my heart, as it was the first orchestra I ever performed in. I began playing in LAYO when I was in fourth grade, and it was exciting to play with such talented musicians.”
Evan Hou - Clarinet 2003-2005
“I graduated from UCLA with degrees in Economics and Psychology. I currently reside in Torrance with my wife and 1 year old daughter. I’ve been working in the Analytics and Data Science space for the last 12 years. My focus is on consumer start up tech companies. I’m currently leading the Analytics team at a livestream shopping startup called Whatnot. Playing in LAYO was a really fun and gratifying experience. It further reinforced my love for music and helped me excel in my high school to college years.“
Giuliana Salgado - Double Bass 2017-2018
“After graduating high school, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by purchasing a franchise business, which I managed for the past three years. Recently, I co-founded a micro bakery with my sisters called Folks Point Breadworks, where we focus on creating artisanal baked pastries and breads that bring joy to our community. While I didn’t pursue a formal degree in music, the memories and wonderful individuals I encountered during my time in the orchestra have profoundly impacted my life. These experiences have fostered my enduring love for music, and I continue to nurture that passion in my everyday life.“
Megan Trach - Flute 2015-2016
“I’m currently a professional pit musician on tour with the national tour of the Broadway musical, Mean Girls, for which I play 6 woodwind instruments (flute, piccolo, clarinet, alto sax, soprano sax, and oboe). Previously, I toured for 1.5 years with the national tour of Fiddler on the Roof, playing flute, piccolo, alto flute, and clarinet. I played over 250 performances with Fiddler and have played 350 and counting with Mean Girls. I graduated with my MM in Flute Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music in 2022. I received my BA in Music from Barnard College of Columbia University in 2020. I’d love to shout out Michelle Matsumune, who was my woodwind coach at LAYO and who was always so kind and encouraging..“