Lei Yao Chang
Youth Symphony I / Cello / ‘Iolani School
At the age of three, Lei Yao began his musical journey, inspired by the melodies that surrounded him and the music played by his older siblings. They would often play notes on the piano and ask him to identify them, sparking his interest in learning the instrument. Later, he took up the violin, following in the footsteps of his siblings. After a year of violin lessons, he fell in love with the cello at age six, captivated by its rich, deep tone and motivated by his desire to play in a piano trio with his siblings.
Outside of school and music, Lei Yao enjoys hiking, attempting to dunk basketballs, exploring new places, and relaxing at home.
Lei Yao is deeply grateful to Dr. I-Bei Lin, his cello teacher for nearly 10 years, for helping him refine his skills, interpret music, and choose pieces he loves. He also thanks the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony and the ‘Iolani Orchestra for providing him with invaluable opportunities. Joining HYS at age eight profoundly shaped Lei’s life, teaching him to share music with others. He is especially thankful to Maestro Stepec for his encouragement and humor during rehearsals. Lastly, Lei Yao would like to express heartfelt gratitude to his parents for their unwavering support and to his siblings for inspiring his musical journey.
Chloe Chen
Concert Orchestra / Harp & Bass / ‘Iolani School
Ijoined Hawai‘i Youth Symphony during my sophomore year as a bass player, following my school orchestra's Director Mr. Peña's recommendation. The next year, I transitioned to the harp - an instrument I have always loved playing. Being part of the Concert Orchestra opened up a whole new musical world for me. Playing in a symphony felt different and exciting compared to my previous experiences. I especially enjoyed exploring various genres and types of pieces. The Listen and Learn concerts became something I always looked forward to - seeing all the little kids get excited about music made those performances extra special.
Through HYS, I gained valuable skills that extend beyond music. I learned how to listen more attentively and to be intentional with my playing, lessons that I realize apply to many aspects of life.
After graduation, I'm planning to head to the East Coast for college where I'll study psychology, focusing specifically on child development. Looking back, I'm just really grateful I took that initial step to join HYS. I also want to thank Mr. Fanning, the HYS staff, and my amazing harp teacher Mrs. Uejio, for supporting me along the way!
Kyle Ehara
Youth Symphony I / Trumpet / Pearl City High School
In my freshman year I blew out my chops for the video audition and I thought I was done for. I knew I sounded like the worst trumpet ever, but somehow I made it into YSII. My cousin Eric actually felt the same way with his audition. Somehow both of us made it in and he sat right next to me that year. It was kinda funny that we ended up both as first chairs in YSII that year. Initially I think we were both underqualified to play in the group, but given time we both rose to the occasion. My junior year I tried out again and made it all the way to YSI. That year was an eye opening experience. Everyone was playing at such a high level, something that I was foreign to. Being surrounded with the finest players in the State of Hawai‘i. Being in an environment where everyone had the same discipline, determination, and skill. People that were greater than me pushed me harder and motivated me to practice.
Flora Elham
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Punahou School
The Hawai‘i Youth Symphony has been an integral part of my life since elementary school. I have participated in Youth Symphony I & II, Concert String Orchestra, and the Intermediate String Ensemble. Especially in the more advanced ensembles, I've honed my skills individually while also learning to communicate musically with my peers. I think the most important lesson I've learned from HYS is that musical improvement can only truly happen when you invoke passion. Further, if you ever find yourself comparing your skill to others when learning an instrument, remember that the most crucial aspect of learning an instrument to begin with is learning to love music. I've found that my love of music has inspired me to keep going, even if it gets hard. When I graduate from high school, I plan to attend Tufts University, later double majoring in Biochemistry and International Relations.
Ashley Jisue Hong
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Punahou School
Ashley Jisue began playing the violin in the first grade under the instruction of her mother. In the ninth grade, she started studying violin with Mr. Ignace Jang and also became a member of YSI. At Punahou School, Ashley is an active violinist in various ensemble groups, including the Punahou Symphony Orchestra and Punahou Chamber Music Program. Being a member of YSI has taught Ashley to not only become a better violinist but also a better communicator. Ashley is very grateful for all her experiences at YSI, especially for the rigorous repertoire from Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, the Maui Tours, and fun times with her friends from all around the island. Ashley plans to continue playing the violin in college as an orchestral player. She expresses her greatest thanks to Maestro Stepec, Mr. Ignace Jang, Mr. Craig Young, Dr. Jonas Carlson, Mrs. Helen Chao-Casano, and her wonderful parents for their mentorship throughout her musical journey.
Kai Im
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Punahou School
Being a part of something greater than myself is something that will always be a significant feeling of pride for me. I joined HYS in 2014 and have been a part of the HYS family since. I joined HYS as a result of being invited to attend a Listen and Learn concert at my old school and this experience left a memorable impression on me. I started in ISE and eventually made it to YSI in my senior year of high school at Punahou School. Although I love music, I wasn't always sure about playing the violin, but the ability to make music as a collective ensemble was something that always drew me back into the program. The friends that I made and had throughout my journey in HYS were the things I liked most about the program. Throughout my life, I have always had a passion for serving and being a part of something larger than myself; therefore I hope to attend college and be commissioned as an officer in either the United States Navy or Army. Thank you to all my friends and family for being a part of my music journey!
Sara Inao
Youth Symphony I / Oboe / Sacred Hearts Academy
Ihave been an oboist with the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony for three years, starting as a sophomore in CO. As a junior, I was in YSII, and I ended my time with HYS by finally reaching YSI as a senior. Excited to see my friends and make music with them, I looked forward to every Sunday rehearsal. My eyes were opened to the world of classical music I never thought I would enjoy. Today, I can confidently say that HYS has taught me to be a team player and take responsibility. Outside of YSI, I am on my school’s tennis team, math team, wind ensemble, and a Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders Fellow. After high school, I plan to pursue biology or public health in university and hopefully continue playing oboe. I’d like to give a special thank you to my oboe teacher, Mrs. O, for reminding me that “You never know if you don’t try,” which encouraged me to audition for HYS the first time. And, of course, I want to thank all my friends, family, band directors, and conductors who supported me along the way.
Isato Kimura
Jazz II / Drum Set / Punahou School
My name is Isato, and I've been with the HYS Jazz II Program since my junior year at Punahou. I had previously known Mr. Taba from private teaching, and he encouraged me to follow through on my interest in jazz by joining the program.
Through rehearsals and concerts, the jazz program at HYS gave me a peek into the expansive genre that is jazz, and helped me grow not only as a player but as a band mate as well. It also taught me the importance of coherence within a group as well as having a balance; in the band setting it was instrumentation and volume, and in the real world it can be applied to most anything.
I plan on attending New York University in the fall, and will start off in the Liberal Studies program and pursue a degree in business administration/management after. Music will always be a core part of my life, and the valuable lessons learned from the staff and programs at HYS will always stick with me.
Seitaro Kobayashi
Youth Symphony I / Bass / ‘Iolani School
Seitaro was invited to join YSI in his sophomore year and has enjoyed working alongside his fellow YSI musicians for the past 3 years. After picking up the bass during COVID, he has greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to work with the best student musicians on the island, and feels as though he has found a greater appreciation for music thanks to this program. His time with HYS has been so much fun, and the memories made with this program will stay with him forever.
Aside from HYS, Seitaro also plays bass for ‘Iolani School’s Orchestra 5, and has gone on tours to Spain and competed in the National Orchestra Cup in New York with this group.
When not playing the bass, Seitaro enjoys being active, playing basketball, water polo, and swimming while also going to the beach, and hikes as well. He also enjoys listening to music (of all kinds) and being goofy with his fellow orchestra friends.
Seitaro is planning on heading to college on the East coast to pursue a major in Political Science on the way to attend law school in the future.
Seitaro would like to thank not only his parents for driving him to all these Sunday rehearsals, but all his music teachers and peers he has performed alongside.
Jae Koo
Youth Symphony I / Trombone / Mid-Pacific Institute
Istarted playing trombone at the age of eight in Long Island, New York. I moved to Hawai‘i in sixth grade and continued to play the trombone in the MidPacific Middle/High School band. After being invited to play in Hawai‘i Youth Symphony II for a year, I decided to audition for YSI and got to perform for two more years. I am also currently part of their brass quintet.
The trombone is an indispensable instrument in my life. I always wanted to express my musical side by taking advantage of every opportunity to perform on trombone. I have accomplished the Mid-Pacific School of Arts Certificate in music for four years, have auditioned and participated in the OBDA select band, and also played in the Hawai‘i Trombone Choir. For summer festivals, I joined the Pacific Music Institute and the Brevard Brass Seminar. As a senior, it was a valuable experience going to live auditions for various colleges in order to pursue my undergraduate as a trombone performance major. My goal is to continue my Masters and Doctorate degree in trombone performance and perform around the world.
Lastly, I would like to thank HYS for giving me the opportunity to experience playing in a symphony orchestra with so many talented musicians.
Carly Mirafuentes
Youth Symphony II / Viola / Kamehameha Schools
This is Carly's first year in YSII. Carly has been playing the viola since her freshman year of high school. She learned all she knows from Mr. Masaki. She does not know what the future holds for her but she looks forward to whatever comes her way.
Kira Miyamoto
Youth Symphony II / Violin / Mililani High School
I've been a part of HYS for one year and it has been a very memorable experience for me. I began playing the violin in fourth grade and have been playing on and off since. Being a part of YSII has allowed me to find joy and create friendships through music. I plan on going to college this coming year to study nursing.
Isabelle Morita
Youth Symphony I / Bass / Punahou School
Music has been a constant part of my life, and I am happy to have continued in HYS during my junior and senior years of high school. I started playing the double bass in my school's beginning orchestra in fifth grade and was playing it in school by the time I joined YSI, but I feel that I improved drastically after being able to challenge myself with different pieces and be inspired by the talented and motivated musicians around me. I am very grateful for Mr. Stepec, Ms. Yamamoto, and the concert parents' guidance and support during our rehearsals, lessons, and concerts. I had a great time while playing in YSI and will look back on this experience happily after I graduate!
Broderick Nakasone
Jazz I / Electric Guitar / ‘Iolani School
Brody aspired to be an Activision video game Guitar Hero at an early age. When that wasn’t challenging enough, he switched to a real guitar in 2015. Following his idol Eddie Van Halen, Brody learned rock and blues. In 2018, Brody picked up the drums which enhanced his guitar playing while allowing him to play percussion in the ‘Iolani marching and concert bands. The 2021 Pacific Music Institute opened the door to jazz and to HYS Jazz where Brody has been fortunate to learn from the best teachers (Dean Taba, Noel Okimoto, Ryan Howe) and his fellow musicians. This diverse musical background has prepared Brody as he embarks on his musical journey to the Berklee College of Music this coming fall. Brody is grateful for all the support he’s received from his music ‘Ohana.
Gray Nauwelaerts
Youth Symphony I / Viola / University Laboratory School PCS
I've been part of HYS for as long as I remember. Through ups and downs I'm glad I'm ending my time on a high note. I never thought I would make it into YSI and it has shown me how fun playing music is. HYS gave me the rigorous orchestra experience that my high school could not (go jr. bows). I am eternally grateful to everyone at HYS for making me feel like I belong and giving me an exciting final year. I plan to go to college and medical school and become a medical examiner. Along with playing viola, I love to sculpt and make zines. I will not lose the art that makes me whole. Art tells the truths that power fears.
Maiah Oba
Youth Symphony I / Horn / Pearl City High School
For the last two years, I have played in the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony and made many fun memories. Because my school doesn't have an orchestra, joining HYS put me in a different environment, allowing me to expand my music perspective. I love listening and playing with all the instruments in an orchestra rather than playing in just a band. The vibes hit different, and playing with people from other schools is exciting.
My favorite part of HYS was performing at the Listen and Learn Concerts. It was heartwarming to hear the kids sing along to our performances. I hope our performances inspired the students to pick up an instrument in the future. After graduation, I will major in nursing (at a school that has yet to be determined). I also hope to continue playing in an orchestra in college. Thank you, HYS, for two years of unforgettable memories and music!
eSage Shiroma
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Hawai‘i Baptist Academy
Ibegan playing violin for HYS in seventh grade as a member of SOE, working my way up one level at a time to YSI. It was always amazing to be able to play a piece of music I thought to be impossible, whether that be the insanely fast Tchaikovsky or hitting high notes I never thought even existed in Shostakovich. Dashing around the fingerboard wasn’t the only benefit: I learned that great works cannot be done alone; teamwork will be a vital component in my mechanical engineering major at Stanford University. Outside of music, I enjoy competing in Science Olympiad, placing first in both the Regional Optics and Fossils event. I have also done Mock Trial for four years, finally taking the State Championship with my team in my final year at HBA.
Kaitlyn Sim
Youth Symphony I / Violin / ‘Iolani School
As of 2025, HYS has been a part of my life for the past 10 years. That means everyone I've met through HYS has grown 10 years older with me while creating music together at the same time. And that's a LOT of time that we've dedicated to music (and why I love HYS so much)! Thank you mom & dad for driving me every single weekend too! It's especially weird being a senior for me because I idolized YSI and recorded every single concert I could go to. But now, we’re the ones that have the power to inspire another mini-me. My journey through SOE with Ms. Doike, CSO with Mr. Uyehara, CO with Ms. Watanabe & Mr. Fanning, and my final four years in YSI with Mr. Stepec is the path I took to get to where I am today. Yet, the best thing is that I've created so many special memories and amazing friendships along that journey, despite the different paths we've all taken to get to where we are now. I’ll miss my time with HYS, my friends, and. Mr. Stepec’s chocolate chip cookies… but I know that everything is going to be okay in the end. That’s because music brought us together, and it will continue to bring us, and even more people together in the future. Love you all!
Aiden Taheri
Youth Symphony I / Clarinet / Punahou School
My musical journey began with the piano. Inspired by my father’s performances at home, I eagerly started lessons alongside my older sisters, embarking on a path that would shape the rest of my life. A few years later, I picked up the clarinet for the first time and was instantly captivated by its mellow tone and expansive range. I joined my middle school band, steadily improving before earning a spot in the Georgia All-State Band in 7th and 8th grade. Then, everything changed. When my family moved, I lost my friends, my band, and my teacher. I felt as though my musical dreams had been shattered. But, after finding a new teacher, she introduced me to the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony. I auditioned—and the rest is history. Being part of HYS has immersed me in the vast and diverse repertoire of symphonic music. From the contemporary brilliance of Corigliano to the emotional depth of Tchaikovsky, my experience in YSI has deepened my appreciation for the beauty that unfolds through performing these masterpieces. Though I enjoyed concert band, the allure of playing alongside strings drew me to the symphonic world. While I do not plan to major in music, my love for it will never fade. Music has had a profound impact on me, and I will continue to perform for the rest of my life.
Gwyneth Tenn
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Punahou
School
Gwyneth's musical journey began at the age of three under the instruction of Mrs. Mariko Yuen. Since joining the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony when she was nine, the program has been integral in shaping her into the musician she is today. As a current violinist in Youth Symphony I, she is immensely grateful for the privilege of leading and growing alongside incredibly talented peers. Beyond the technical skills she has gained, she has also formed invaluable connections and friendships that she will cherish forever. Outside of HYS, Gwyneth is a member of the Punahou Symphony Orchestra and Punahou Chamber Music Program. In her free time, she enjoys studying astronomy, having conducted research with the UH Mānoa Institute for Astronomy and participated in the Science Internship Program at UC Santa Cruz. She also loves to travel, golf with her family, and go to the beach with her friends. In college, Gwyneth plans to major in astrophysics while continuing her musical pursuits. She would like to extend a huge mahalo to all of her teachers and mentors who have guided her musical journey, as well as to her family for their unwavering support.
Nicholas Williams
Youth Symphony I / Horn / Punahou School
Nicholas started whistling while he was still a toddler (so say his parents) and continued his musical journey with piano lessons and then french horn. He joined HYS in 11th grade and became principal french horn player in his senior year. He enjoys the symphony community and the opportunity to meet people from other schools. In other musical adventures, he was the Drum Major for the Punahou Marching Band. Outside of music, he is passionate about robotics and captained his high school’s team to a State Championship in 2024. He intends to study engineering on the mainland and plans to continue playing music in college and beyond.
Eli Wolf
Jazz I / Electric Guitar / University Laboratory School PCS
In the eleven years I have been playing music, I learned more about it in the four years I was at HYS then I did the other seven I wasn't. Being able to play with such great musicians and learn from even better ones has been an incredible experience. The opportunities I have been given to improve my playing have been numerous. Some memorable ones included playing with stars like Keola Beamer and Jake Shimabukuro, getting the opportunity to sit in at various Jazz ‘Ohana nights and bar gigs, and the numerous jazz clinics I had the chance to attend. My experience has been incredible and I look forward to continuing to learn more about music after I graduate.
Reimer Wolf
Concert Orchestra / Trumpet / Kalāheo High School
Reimer has been involved with music for over seven years. His passion began when he first picked up trumpet and piano in middle school. Since then, he has devoted countless hours to taking private lessons and honing his craft, all despite moving multiple times. Reimer joined HYS his junior year and has served as the principal trumpet of the Concert Orchestra for two years in a row. Through HYS, Reimer has not only developed his musical abilities, but also his discipline and drive. He has made many friends through his experience, all of whom are equally dedicated to music. In addition to HYS, Reimer is the trumpet section leader at Kalāheo High School. He has also proudly participated on Kalāheo’s outrigger paddling, cross country, and track teams. Reimer plans to attend a 4-year university and major in Mechanical Engineering. He hopes to continue his musical endeavors after high school by getting involved with his college’s music community. Reimer will cherish the memories he has gained from this experience, and will continue to apply the skills he has learned from HYS throughout college and beyond.
Keoni Wun
Youth Symphony II / Violin / Kamehameha Schools
Istarted off playing multiple instruments, jumping around from one to another until I decided to stick with the violin. Unlike many of my peers, music or even practicing my instrument wasn’t something I took seriously until I started high school, which was when I joined my school’s orchestra. In addition to teaching me the many disciplines of self-motivation and hard work, I was inspired by peers who put dedication into their craft and music making. From that point on, I began taking private lessons more seriously and dedicated more effort to learning my instrument, eventually leading to me becoming one of our concert masters at school and joining HYS in my senior year. Although short-lived, being a part of HYS has been a fun journey, becoming friends with people I would have never thought I would be friends with, and even joining a quartet. Outside of music, I am a part of my school’s math team as I love to do math and have done some sports but stopped due to some injuries. After high school, I plan to attend college on the mainland and pursue a degree in either mechanical or aerospace engineering. My passion for math and space, combined with the discipline and connections I’ve gained through music, fuels my ambition to innovate in engineering—and maybe, one day, explore the stars myself.
Jodie Wung
Youth Symphony I / Cello / Mililani High School
Driven, expressive, and deeply curious, I’ve always sought out opportunities to grow—whether through service, leadership, travel, or music. I began playing the cello at eight years old, and it has since become a defining part of who I am. I joined Hawai‘i Youth Symphony in ISE and, after years of growth and dedication, now perform with YSI. Along the way, I’ve learned that excellence in music demands consistency, teamwork, and resilience— qualities that have shaped every aspect of my life.
Some of my most meaningful memories have come from performing. I still remember sitting in the audience as a child, inspired by the sound of an orchestra. Now, I play with the hope that I might pass on that same spark to someone else.
Beyond music, I serve as secretary for both Key Club and Model United Nations, and recently attended the NAIMUN 63 conference in Washington, D.C. I’ve practiced taekwondo since I was five and now teach as a third-degree black belt. I received the Presidential Service Award for completing over 348 hours of community service in a single year. In my free time, I enjoy traveling the world and spending time with my five rescued bunnies, three cats, and one fish. I plan to study political science while keeping music an essential part of my life.
Joshua Wung
Youth
Symphony
I / Bass / Mililani High School
Joshua began his musical pathway in kindergarten, when he learned to play the piano. After taking up string bass, his father's instrument, in fourth grade, he joined HYS's BSE and eventually joined YSI in 10th grade. Playing string bass, Joshua participated in Mililani High School's Symphony Orchestra for two years, while also accompanying Mililani's orchestras as a pianist for three years. Joshua is also a dedicated pianist, winning First Prize in the Hawaii State Music Competition (Level V). Outside of music, Joshua enjoys teaching Taekwondo as a Third Degree Black Belt Volunteer Instructor, volunteer service, and is particularly interested in researching neuroscience, having interned at the University of California, Santa Cruz for psychology research. Joshua also loves traveling with his family to historical sites including in Peru, Türkiye, Egypt and Jordan, while helping take care of five rabbits, three cats, and one fish in the household. He has been accepted to Brown University, University of Pennsylvania, and UCLA, and has yet to determine his college of choice.
Daniel Yoo
Youth Symphony I / Violin / Punahou School
The Hawai‘i Youth Symphony has been a huge part of my life as a student musician. I was a violinist in SOE, CSO, YSII, and YSI. Throughout the years, I was able to connect with students from schools across the island, and it was a pleasure to play alongside them. Additionally, I gained various musical insights from my conductors as I progressed through the program. It was a privilege to learn from them.
What I love most about HYS is the opportunities to perform in front of different audiences. I enjoyed the chances to play music in front of my community. These performances have taught me that showcasing music is something I love doing, and I plan to continue music as a hobby, spreading the love of music and aloha wherever I go.
Ayaka Yoshii
Youth Symphony I / Oboe / Kalani High School
Ihave poured countless hours of music throughout my high school life and I am grateful to HYS for providing many opportunities for me to prove those practices useful. In addition to simply being collaborative and creative in playing, I enjoyed the feeling that my music could actually inspire someone and not end as a mere hobby. Events like the Listen and Learn School Concerts and the Maui tour encouraged me the most, showing the potential inspiration that music could provide. Other than HYS, I participated in various things such as marching band, FFA, kayaking, cross country, paddling, and most notably the robotics team, which was difficult and fun to try to balance. After I graduate from high school, I plan to attend Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and possibly participate in graduate school after that. I plan to major in biotechnology through my passion for biology and engineering, and I hope to continue music there too.
