Welcome
Welcome to An Evening of Note 2025!
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to this special occasion as we celebrate the extraordinary talents of the pianists from our Valley Christian Schools Conservatory of the Arts. Tonight, you will experience the artistry and dedication of these remarkable students from our elementary, junior high, and high school campuses. Each one brings their own unique voice to the stage, and we are thrilled to share their musical achievements with you.
We are honored to have a very special guest with us tonight—Valley Christian alumnus Elliot Wuu (’17), who has graciously returned to conduct masterclasses with each of tonight’s performers. As a Young Steinway Artist, Elliot’s musical journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Since his days at Valley Christian High School, Elliot has risen to become one of the leading talents of his generation, captivating audiences worldwide with his expressive performances. We are truly fortunate to have him with us, offering his wisdom and expertise to our next generation of pianists.
Since 2007, Valley Christian has proudly held the distinction of being an All-Steinway School, the first pre-collegiate school in California to receive this prestigious honor. This recognition reflects our commitment to excellence and our dedication to providing our students with the finest musical resources available. Our Steinway pianos are more than instruments; they are tools that inspire, challenge, and shape the artistry of our students, enabling them to reach new heights in their musical journeys.
We would like to take this opportunity to recognize our talented piano instructors: Samantha Elliott (Elementary), Elizabeth Lin (Junior High), and Melissa Gunter (High School). These educators are not only nurturing the next generation of pianists but are also shaping the future of music, and we are deeply grateful for their guidance and care.
We also extend our deepest appreciation to the families of our performers. Thank you to the parents, grandparents, and private piano teachers for instilling a love and passion for music in these young artists. Your support, encouragement, and commitment are the foundation upon which tonight’s performance is built.
Lastly, we would like to express our gratitude for the support of Dr. Clifford Daugherty, President of Valley Christian Schools, and Executive Vice President Brian Clemons (’87). Their dedication to arts education plays a vital role in elevating our Conservatory program and enriching the educational experience for all of our students.
As we celebrate these gifted musicians and their achievements, let us remember that music is a gift from God, and it is through the joy of music that we are able to honor Him.
With musical regards,
Mr. Troy Gunter Director,
Conservatory
of the Arts
Vice President, Valley Christian Schools
Program
Kidservatory Pianists
ARIEL JIAO................................................................ Jacques Offenbach, Barcarolle (Les Contes d’ Hoffmann)
RAYMON YANG..........................................................................................................The Calmness of the Water
LINCOLN WHEATLEY...................................................................................Martha Mier, Just Struttin’ Along
ELSA WANG...........................................................Frédéric Chopin, Étude Op. 10, No. 3 in E major “Tristesse”
LEONA JIAO...................................................................Frédéric Chopin, Nocturne Op. 9, No. 2 in E flat major
CAYDEN CROSWHITE................................................Isaak Berkovich, Variations on a Theme by Paganini
Junior Conservatory Pianists
TONG LIN.................................................................................................... Frédéric Chopin, Etude Op. 25, No. 12
ELLIE HU.........................................................Robert Schumann, Hasche-Mann in B minor (from Kinderszenen) Robert Muczynski, Seven, Op. 30, No. 3
RACHEL THIO.................................Ludwig van Beethoven, Arr. G. Henle Verlag, Sechs Variationen WoO 70
DAVID HE.....................Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 2, No. 1, IV. Prestissimo
ANDY PING.............................................................................................Frédéric Chopin, Waltz Op. 42 in A flat major
DINNER
Conservatory Pianists
NICOLETTE LEDFORD.................................................................. Frédéric Chopin, Rondo a la Mazur, Op. 5
GRACE WANG......................................................................................................... Aram Khachaturian, Toccata
ETHAN WONG + .......................................................................................Frédéric Chopin, Ballade No. 1 in G minor
MELODY SHEN ~ ...............................................................................................Frédéric Chopin, Étude Op. 25, No. 12
JASON HAM + ...........................................................................Ludwig van Beethoven, Sonata No. 24 in F# major, Op. 78, 1st movement
AIDAN KWON ~ Carl Vine, Sonata No. 1, Mov. I
GLORIA MA............................................................................................Alexander Scriabin, Piano Sonata No. 5
ETHAN LI * .....................................................................Frédéric Chopin, Sonata No. 3, Op. 58, 4th movement
KAREN MATSUI ^ ....................................................................................................Minako Tokuyama, Musica Nara
MEINING WU ^ ................................................................................ Alexander Scriabin, Sonata No. 2 in G# minor, Op. 19 (“Sonata-Fantasy”) I. Andante
THINK MUSIC AWARD PRESENTATION
*Conservatory Honors Member
+ Conservatory Honors Artist
~ Conservatory/AMSE Artist Honors
^ Conservatory Honors Fellow
LEONA JIAO
Leona Jiao is an exceptionally talented young pianist with a unique gift for music. She began her piano studies at the age of three and possesses perfect pitch, which has greatly contributed to her musical achievements. Over the years, Leona has participated in numerous prestigious competitions, including the USOMC and MTAC, where she has consistently earned outstanding results. In 2023, she was honored with an invitation to perform at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall, a testament to her skill and dedication.
In addition to her passion for music, Leona is a gifted artist. She has won first place in her school’s Art Contest for two consecutive years and had her artwork featured on the posters and flyers for “Christmas at the California” at her school. Leona is also an avid reader and has a strong interest in mathematics. In 2024, she represented Valley Christian at the ACSI Math Competition and earned the national first-place award. Beyond academics and the arts, Leona excels in sports, particularly tennis, where she has achieved impressive rankings in USTA competitions.
CAYDEN CROSWHITE
Cayden Croswhite is a ten-year-old from San Jose, California. He started learning piano when he was five years old and currently studies with Dr. Yu-Chi Tai. At age seven, Cayden won First Prize and Outstanding Gold Medalist at U.S. Open Music Competition. Since then, he has participated and won top prizes in many competitions, including MTAC Piano Concerto Competition, CAPMT Contemporary Competition, CAPMT Concerto Competition, and USIMC. In 2024, he won First Place at the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition and gave his debut performance at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Most recently, he won First Place at IAPMT Grand Competition of Austria, and was invited to perform at Wiener Saal and Haydn Hall in Austria in June 2025.
Cayden has had great privileges to perform in master classes for renowned pianists including Ian Hobson, Meng-Chieh Liu, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Jean-David Coen, Vyacheslav Gryaznov, Sandra Wright Shen, Joachim Reinhuber, Yu-Jane Yang, and Ratko Delorko. Meanwhile, he loves playing chamber music and has been selected to perform at music festivals such as C’est Bon Chamber Music Festival, Peng Piano Academy, and Oclef Contemporary Music Festival.
In addition to piano, he enjoys learning and playing the violin. Outside of music, Cayden is a competitive swimmer and aspires to become a top athlete.
Junior Conservatory Pianists
TONG LIN
Tong Lin is a sixth-grade student who began studying music at Yamaha Music School at the age of four. After four years, she transitioned to private lessons in San Jose, and in fourth grade, she took the ABRSM Grade 5 Music tests and passed with distinction. The following year, she participated in an MTAC music performance and was selected to perform at Evening of Note in 2024. That performance became a significant milestone, deepening her passion and love for music. She remains inspired by the beauty of the arts and continues to explore its many wonders.
ELLIE HU
Ellie Hu started piano at five years old. Starting her studies with Mrs. Nataliya Shishkina, she played in several recitals, concerts, and competitions. When she was seven years old, she won first place in a USOMC category, and played at the winner recital. In May of 2024, she moved on to studying piano with Dr. Zhao Zhao Yang at a new piano school. Since then, she’s been inspired by great composers like Bach, Mendelssohn, and Dvorak to compose her own pieces of music, both classical and contemporary. Outside of piano, Ellie loves writing stories and scripts and turning them into short movies with her older brother. Occasionally, when there’s no school, she likes to visit her old teachers at her previous school to help them out in the classroom, and also to meet with some of her friends. Ellie loves helping people in any way she can, and is never afraid to lend a helping hand.
GRACE WANG
Grace Wang is a fourteen-year-old pianist who is a freshman at Valley Christian High School. She has been studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College division under the tutelage of Rose Chen, following previous instructions from Dr. William Wellborn. Recently, she has won third prize in the Third Singapore International Music Competition, 2nd Prize in the Encore Music Competition Intermediate division, and First Prize in Best Grieg Performance in the Great Composers Competition Series. She has also been recognized with awards from the US Open Music Competition and Junior Bach Music Festival. In the summer of 2023, Grace attended the C’est Bon Chamber Music Festival and Interlochen Arts Camp, as well as the Oberlin Summer Program in 2024. She also enjoys performing in chamber groups and collaborating with others. Not long ago, her trio was invited to perform at the East Bay Music Festival in Berkeley.
Along with her passion for piano performance, Grace has also played cello for more than four years. Beyond her musical accomplishments, she is committed to using her talents to make a positive impact on society. She has participated in various benefit concerts and performances in senior facilities as a pianist and cellist in a youth orchestra. Through her involvement in these community services, she has continuously developed a strong belief that music can bring emotional comfort to others. She has been recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her contribution to the community.
ETHAN WONG – Conservatory Honors Artist
Ethan Wong, a sixteen-year-old sophomore currently studying under Dr. Sekyeong Seong, is an accomplished young musician with a deep passion for piano, violin, and percussion. His musical journey began at the age of seven with the piano. By twelve, he expanded his expertise to the violin, and at thirteen, he added percussion to his repertoire.
Ethan’s dedication and talent have led him to significant achievements. He successfully completed the Certificate of Merit piano and violin exams, a testament to his technical proficiency and musical understanding. Ethan has also participated in many music festivals and competitions, such as the Junior Bach Festival and Bay Area Piano Competition. His exceptional piano skills earned him awards in many diverse categories of the U.S. Open Music Competition.
Beyond competitions, Ethan is an active and versatile performer. He serves as a piano accompanist and plays the violin in orchestras and ensembles within the San José Youth Symphony. Additionally, he has been a dedicated member of the symphony’s percussion ensemble for several years, showcasing his versatility and commitment to musical excellence. With a strong foundation in classical music and an ever-growing passion for performance, Ethan Wong continues to refine his artistry, striving for new heights in his musical journey.
MELODY SHEN – Conservatory/AMSE Artist Honors
Melody Shen is a senior AMSE Artist who has been captivated by the piano since she was five. In ninth grade, she earned her Certificate of Merit Level 10 with State Honors and later qualified for PANEL Regionals. From the melodic tunes of Brahms to the complex progressions woven through Rachmaninov’s compositions, Melody finds a story in their music and brings it to life. She currently studies piano at school with Mrs. Gunter and takes private lessons with Poling Chen. She has also participated in masterclasses with Beethoven specialist Sam Rotman. Melody loves performing with VCHS’s Chamber Ensemble and played at Valley Christian’s Open House. She also serves as a Worship Leader for her church, Home of Christ 5, using her musical gifts to glorify the Lord.
Beyond piano, Melody enjoys exploring philosophy, solving math problems, and watching soccer.
JASON HAM – Conservatory Honors Artist
At just fourteen years old, rising musical star Jason Ham has already achieved remarkable success in the classical music scene. Recently crowned the Gold Medalist of the 2024 Manhattan International Music Competition, Jason has also won First Place at prestigious events such as the Northern California Young Talents Music Competition, the Silicon Valley Philharmonic Music Competition, the American Youth Talent International Music Competition, the Salzburg International Music Competition, the US Open Music Competition, the US International Competition, the San Francisco International Innovative Music Competition, and the Excellence Award at the MTAC Autumn Music Festival.
In addition to his solo endeavors, Jason shines in chamber music, leading his ensemble to first-place victories at the 2024 International Youth Music Competitions in Atlanta, the 2024 Charleston International Music Competition, and the 2024 San Francisco Innovative International Music Competition. His accomplishments in both individual and collaborative performances highlight his versatility and deep understanding of music.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Jason is a dedicated Christian philanthropist. For the past three years, he organized benefit concerts and raised funds for charities through his involvement with three charitable organizations: Bello Ensemble, Almaden Youth Music, and Let Nature Sing. He embodies the spirit of a young artist and a philanthropist committed to musical excellence and putting his talent to work to make a meaningful impact in the community. Jason Ham is a student of concert pianist and professor Michelle Lee, who inspires him to evolve into an artist of the highest caliber. When not at the piano, Jason enjoys playing percussion, spending time with his Goldendoodle, Kona, and traveling.
AIDAN KWON – Conservatory/AMSE Artist Honors
Aidan is fifteen years old and is currently a student of Ms. Kaichi Zhu. Aidan has earned numerous awards and distinctions in his ten years of playing. He is a recent winner of the Golden State Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition and will play with the Golden State Symphony Orchestra in May 2025. Aidan also won First Prize in the Al Navaroli Young Musicians Competition in 2023 and played with the South Valley Symphony at its season finale. Aidan is a multiple First-Place winner at the United States International Music Competition, Concerto Category in 2021 and 2023, as well as Grand Prize at the Silicon Valley Music Competition in 2023. He earned First Prize and Outstanding Gold Medalist at the United States Open Music Competition, Solo Showcase in 2022 and 2023. Aidan has won the Top Prize at the New Star Piano Competition. Aidan has also won Honorable Mention in the Henry and Carol Zeiter Piano Competition in 2025, and also received Second Place in the CAPMT Contemporary Competition. Aidan has recently won Second Prize in the Marian Filice Youth Piano Competition and the KAMSA Piano Competition.
Aidan is also the Regional Director of the Back to Bach Project: Morgan Hill chapter and presents music to many elementary-aged children across local schools and venues.
GLORIA MA
Gloria Ma, a seventeen-year-old junior, has been playing piano since the age of five and violin since the age of eight. She has studied piano under Dr. Zhao Zhao Yang for the past ten years. An avid chamber and ensemble musician, Gloria leads and conducts Evergreen Valley Youth Orchestra, a student-led youth orchestra that brings music to the local community. She also serves as Musician in Residence at her church, where she accompanies congregational hymns on piano every Sunday morning.
Gloria has earned numerous accolades for her piano performances, including First Place and Outstanding Gold Medalist in the Piano Showcase Solo division of the 2024 U.S. Open Music Competition. In the same year, she was recognized as a Panel Finalist with Honors awardee by the Music Teachers’ Association of California. Outside of music, Gloria finds great joy in puzzles, numbers, and physical phenomena, and will be studying mathematics at MIT in the fall.
MEINING WU – Conservatory Honors Fellow
Meining Wu, fifteen, is a sophomore and Conservatory Honors Fellow at Valley Christian High School. She first began playing the piano at the age of six and currently studies with Hans Boepple. Since her debut with the world-renowned Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at PianoTexas 2023, Meining has performed with the Central Texas Philharmonic at the 2024 Texas State International Piano Festival finale concert and with the Golden State Youth Orchestra at the 2024-25 season opener, as a concerto winner. She was a 2024 scholarship awardee of the Chopin Foundation of the United States and a Superior Awardee in Music Performance of the 2024 Bay Area Creative Foundation. Meining has won First Place in many prestigious competitions, including CAPMT Honors State Finals, Henry and Carol Zeiter, Bay Philharmonic Young Artist, Marilyn Mindell, Franz Liszt Center, Young Verona, and Champion’s Keyboard International. At the 2024 Southeastern Piano Festival, she won a Discretionary Award in the Arthur Fraser Piano Competition, and was a Bronze Medalist at the 2024 Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition. Meining was also an awardee of the first Valley Christian Think Music Award in 2024. Most recently, she was selected to participate in the summer of 2025’s Juilliard Summer Music Piano Program, Aspen Music Festival & School’s solo piano program, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artist Piano Program.
Besides music, Meining has a passion for visual arts. Her artworks in a variety of different mediums have won top prizes in both regional and international art contests, including the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and the United Nation Peace Pals International Art Contest. She also loves dedicating time to serving her community and was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award in 2024 and the Bronze Award in 2025.
Conservatory Piano Faculty
Mrs. Samantha Elliott - Elementary
Miss Elizabeth Lin - Junior High
Mrs. Melissa Gunter - High School
Think Music Award
The “Think Music Award” is dedicated to recognizing and encouraging musicians who demonstrate thoughtful consideration and artistry in their interpretation and musical performance.
WARRIOR FUND
Tuition funds operations. Philanthropy fuels vision. Every gift makes a difference, so please consider donating to the Warrior Fund today.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Spring 2026
Join us for our annual Quest Ball dinner and auction. Enjoy a night to honor and celebrate the Warrior legacy, raise essential funds, and make a difference for students through tuition assistance. vcs.net/questball
May 12, 2025
We look forward to welcoming the VCS community for a round of golf and a day of fellowship at the annual Golf Classic. vcs.net/golfclassic
Wherever you may be, we’re always here to support our amazing alumni like you.
As you continue to make a positive difference in communities around the world, we want to stay connected! We currently have twenty-nine ambassadors all over the country that have connected with fellow alums near them. This past year we have visited eleven cities across the US and look forward to hosting an alumni dinner near you soon. Simply scan the QR code and fill out our “Alumni Connect Form” to stay updated on news and events. Let us know about where you’ve been, where you’re headed and stay connected with us today!
Giving PLANNED
The Shechem Oak Society empowers our community to make an extraordinary impact on future generations. The society comprises all who generously bequeath legacy gifts to Valley Christian Schools.
God assured Abraham of keeping His promise to grant the land to Abraham’s descendants. Shechem holds a significant place in this narrative—it’s where Jacob excavated a well and erected an altar, where Joseph’s family laid his remains to rest, where Joshua delivered his parting words in service to the Lord, and where Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman at the well (Genesis 12:6, 33:18, Joshua 24:26, John 4:12). Shechem stands as a powerful symbol of God’s faithfulness across generations. We fervently pray that VCS, like Shechem, will serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness in Silicon Valley and worldwide.
At a time when many American educational institutions are straying from biblical values, you can ensure that Valley Christian Schools continues its Quest for Excellence™ for future generations. Join us in providing high-quality Christ-centered education to our children and grandchildren by including VCS in your will.
VCS partners with Thompson & Associates to offer confidential and complimentary estate planning consultations to our board members, administrators, faculty, staff, and community. Join my wife, Kris, myself, and others in discovering the most tax-efficient means of transferring your estate to benefit your family and your passions.
As a trusted member of our VCS community, please accept our gift to you and arrange your estate planning consultation with Darren Penny of Thompson & Associates. You may email advancement@vcs.net or call my office at 408-513-2503. If you have already included VCS in your planned giving, kindly inform us so we may include you in our Shechem Oak Society.
Looking forward,
Clifford E. Daugherty, Ed.D. President
MISSION STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.
VISION STATEMENT
A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™
FOUNDING STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence
