Welcome to the inaugural Valley Christian Conservatory of the Arts Concerto Competition Winners Concert. We are honored to gather this afternoon in the Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music for a performance that represents both a significant milestone and a meaningful culmination.
Today’s concert reflects not only the result of a months-long audition process, but the realization of a years-long vision to build a music program capable of sustaining its own concerto competition. This moment marks an important step in the continued growth of the Valley Christian Conservatory of the Arts, and it is fitting to culminate this milestone with our debut performance here on the campus of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
I am deeply grateful to the exceptional staff and students of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music for their partnership, collaboration, and shared commitment to artistic excellence. Their support has made this event possible, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside them in bringing this concert to life.
I am especially proud of our winners. They are disciplined and thoughtful musicians performing at a level that reflects years of dedication, refinement, and artistic maturity well beyond what is typically expected of high school students. Their performances stand as a testament to their commitment to their craft.
I would like to extend sincere thanks to the parents and grandparents whose encouragement and sacrifice have supported these students every step of the way. To their private teachers and youth orchestra directors, thank you for the expertise, guidance, and high standards that have shaped their musical development. And lastly, I am grateful to our Valley Christian Conservatory faculty and staff, who faithfully pour into the lives of these students as they strive to represent The Way of the Warrior in all they do, fostering both excellence and growth.
It is a privilege to share this concert with you. Thank you for being here to celebrate these remarkable young artists and the work that has brought them to this stage.
Troy Gunter Director, Conservatory of the Arts
Valley Christian Schools
Program
Kayla Lee
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35
I: Moderato nobile - Erich Wolfgang Korngold
Jason Gluck, Conductor
Eric Wang (’22)
Concierto de Aranjuez
II. Adagio - Joaquín Rodrigo
Jason Gluck, Conductor
Joshua Hsieh
Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra
III: Allegramente di bravura - Sergei Golovko
Chih-Yao Chang, Conductor
INTERMISSION
Ethan Li
Concerto No. 2
I: Moderato - Sergei Rachmaninoff
Chih-Yao Chang, Conductor
Meining Wu
Concerto No. 2
III: Allegro Scherzando - Sergei Rachmaninoff
Chih-Yao Chang, Conductor
Biographies
Joshua Hsieh, Marimba Conservatory Honors Artist Class of 2027
Joshua Hsieh has studied marimba for ten years under the instruction of Tammy Chen. At Valley Christian, he is a member of Percussion Ensemble II and also performs with CYS, Chamber Ensemble, and the Tammy Chen Studio. Joshua has received top honors in multiple competitions, including Grand Prize at the NLPA International Competition and First Prize at both the United States International Music Competition and the Berlin Classic Music Competition in 2025. He has appeared regularly in performances at Carnegie Hall and remains actively involved in community concerts through the Raindrop Foundation, Tanshei Church, and other nonprofit organizations. Outside of music, Joshua enjoys swimming and weightlifting.
Kayla Lee, Violin Conservatory Honors Fellow Class of 2026
Kayla Lee has studied violin for eleven years under the guidance of Zhao Wei. At Valley Christian, she is enrolled in Strings Honors Ensemble, and she participates in SFCM, CYS, and YCM. Kayla’s recent honors include recognition as a YoungArts National Arts Competition winner (2024–2026), as well as awards from the California Youth Symphony Young Artist Competition and the Palo Alto Philharmonic Concerto Movement Competition. A defining experience was serving as concertmaster for NYO-USA’s 2025 Asia tour, collaborating with Gianandrea Noseda, Ray Chen, and Clara-Jumi Kang. Kayla also participates in AMASE and the Bello Ensemble and enjoys ballet outside of music.
Ethan
Li, Piano Conservatory Honors Fellow Class of 2028
Ethan Li has pursued piano studies for eleven years and currently studies with Namiq Sultanov. At Valley Christian, he is enrolled in Piano III Honors and participates in MTAC. Ethan’s recent achievements include First Alternate in the MTAC Concerto Competition, First Prize at the Florida Keys International Music Competition, and First Prize in the USOMC Complete Concerto category. A defining performance experience was appearing in a winners’ concert at Carnegie Hall. Ethan also serves his community by accompanying his church choir and performing with Back to Bach. Outside of music, he enjoys trading.
Meining Wu, Piano Conservatory Honors Fellow
Class of 2027
Meining Wu has studied piano for ten years and currently works with Hans Boepple. At Valley Christian, she is enrolled in Piano IV Honors. Her recent accolades include selection to the live rounds of the 2026 Gina Bachauer International Young Artist Competition, Gold Prize at the 2025 San Francisco International Piano Competition, and First Place at the Lancaster International Piano Competition. A transformative experience was performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in her debut concerto appearance with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Meining also leads Equal Keys for All and participates in Love Through Music and Valley Christian Outreach. Outside of music, she enjoys painting, drawing, and reading.
Biographies
Eric Wang – Guest Artist
Eric Wang is a classical guitarist based in San Jose, California. He began playing at age four and studied with Robert Miller at the California Conservatory of Music. He currently studies guitar with Meng Su at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and piano with Stephen Prutsman at Stanford University. Eric is a senior at Stanford University completing dual degrees in physics and music (B.A. and B.S.) and will continue there as an incoming master’s student in Electrical Engineering (M.S.), graduating from his undergraduate programs in June. He is a winner of major competitions including the Guitar Foundation of America International Youth Competition (2018, 2020), Parkening International Guitar Competition (2019), and Boston Guitar Festival (2024). He has been featured on NPR’s From the Top and performs regularly throughout California.
Chih-Yao Chang – Conductor
Chih-Yao Chang is a conductor from Taoyuan, Taiwan. He earned his Master’s Degree in Conducting from National Taiwan Normal University, where he studied with Professor Apo Chin-Shin Hsu. He has also worked with conductors including Michael Tilson Thomas, Jun Märkl, Neal Stulberg, Jahja Lin, and Gilbert Varga. His academic work includes research on Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. He has received recognition in multiple national competitions, including First Prize and Best Popularity Award at the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra Conductor Competition, and he was the youngest finalist in a previous edition of the same competition. He has participated in major training programs with leading Taiwanese orchestras and has experience with premieres of contemporary works. He is currently continuing his studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under Maestro Edwin Outwater.
Jason Gluck – Conductor
Jason Gluck is a graduate assistant conductor at the Bienen School of Music, where he has contributed to the Philharmonia ensemble in collaboration with fellow conductors. He has worked closely with graduate conductor Diego Hernandez and assistant conductors in preparing major orchestral performances at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall in Evanston, Illinois. His recent projects include a program featuring works by Brahms, Bloch, Bernstein, Schumann, and Rimsky-Korsakov, presented in a widely attended concert that drew strong audience interest. Through his work in rehearsal and performance settings, he supports orchestral preparation, ensemble coordination, and musical interpretation. Gluck’s experience reflects a growing focus on music education and conducting practice as he continues to develop his professional path within orchestral performance and academic music environments.
Violin I
Orchestra
Aleksi Zaretsky (SFCM)
Lumi Kim* (VCS)
Manny Vouse (SFCM)
Serena She* (VCS)
Rachel Green (SFCM)
Po-yu Lee (SFCM)
Violin II
Magdalena Zaczek (SFCM)
Joyce Xui (VCS)
Mark Chen (SFCM)
Elisa Jeon (SFCM)
Ruby Ro (SFCM)
Viola
Ian Parvin (SFCM)
Jonathan Cheng (VCS)
Josh Choi (SFCM)
Seyoun Park (SFCM)
Cello
Elmer Carter (SFCM)
Aiden Kim* (VCS)
Yoyo Lin (SFCM)
Luke Kim (VCS)
Haeun Choi (SFCM)
Bass
Ben Byham (SFCM)
Riley Collier (SFCM)
Flute
Hyewon Jeong (SFCM)
Beneditto Caroccio (SFCM)
Oboe
Haley Hoffman (SFCM)
James Laase (SFCM)
Clarinet
Ryan Beiter* (VCS)
Derek Pfeiffer* (VCS)
Bass Clarinet
Joel Kent (VCS)
Bassoon
Fabio Valery Villanova (SFCM)
Alexander Wong (VCS)
French Horn
Samay Sayala (SFCM)
Owen Sheridan (SFCM)
Davian Barba (SFCM)
Kyle Ko (SFCM)
Trumpet
Rick Ortega (SFCM)
Trombone
Josiah Muniz (SFCM)
Ian Rigg (SFCM)
Bass Trombone
Jacob Ellgass (SFCM)
Tuba
Massimilliano Castor (SFCM)
Timpani
Ben Blaesing (SFCM)
Percussion
Sam Johnson-Vrooman (SFCM)
Aeneas Yu* (VCS)
Jeff Wilson (SFCM/VCS)
Harp
Amy Ahn (SFCM)
Celesta
Ethan Wong (VCS)
*Conservatory Honors Fellow (VCS) - Valley Christian Schools (SFCM) - San Francisco Conservatory of Music
The Summit Series
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Summit Series brings world-class artists and master teachers to VCS Conservatory for a season of one-on-one lessons, masterclasses, workshops, and performances. Our students work directly with GRAMMY® Award winners, faculty from the country’s leading conservatories, and the world’s top soloists, gaining the kind of mentorship and perspective that shapes a serious musical education. We invite you to join us this season of extraordinary music!
SUMMER ELEMENTARY BAND CAMP
for students entering 4th-5th grade
Friends • Music • Memories
Dates June 1-5 (Monday-Friday)
Time 8:30am-12pm
Cost $275
Grades
Entering Grades 4-5 (Co-Ed)
Location
Skyway Conservatory 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructors
Mr. Jeff Wilson
Dr. Shane Ryan (’16)
Miss Katelyn Dietz (’14)
The Elementary Band Camp offers rising fourth and fifth graders the opportunity to play a band instrument, including the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, drums, and more. The camp welcomes both beginners and students with more experience and includes some fun activities along the way.
A short concert will occur on Friday, June 5 at 11:30am.
Note: All are welcome. Instruments are available to borrow.
EL Band Camp/PIE JR. Camp - DISCOUNT BUNDLE!
Bundle both EL Band Camp and PIE JR. Camp for a $50 discount savings.
Dates: June 1-5 (8:30am-12pm) / June 8-12 (9am-4pm)
Performance on Friday, June 12 at 3pm.
Note: Performers should wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes. Snacks provided. Pack your own lunch.
SUMMER JUNIOR HIGH BAND CAMP
JUNE
1-5, 2026
for students entering 6th-8th grade
Friends • Music • Memories
Dates June 1-5 (Monday-Friday)
Time 8:30am-12pm
Cost $275
Grades
Entering Grades 6-8 (Co-Ed)
Location
Skyway Conservatory 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructors
Mr. Jeff Wilson
Dr. Shane Ryan (’16) Miss Katelyn Dietz (’14)
The Junior High Band Camp is an opportunity for students to begin their journey of learning a band instrument. It is also designed for students with experience who want to improve their skills on traditional band instruments, including the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, drums, and more. All experience levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced junior high-aged students. Our goal is to make music and have fun with friends.
A short concert will occur on Friday, June 5 at 11:30am.
Note: All are welcome. Instruments are available to borrow.
JH Band Camp/PIE JR. Camp - DISCOUNT BUNDLE!
Bundle both JH Band Camp and PIE JR. Camp for a $50 discount savings.
Dates: June 1-5 (8:30am-12pm) / June 8-12 (9am-4pm)
Performance on Friday, June 12 at 3pm.
Note: Performers should wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes. Snacks provided. Pack your own lunch.
SUMMER HIGH SCHOOL BAND CAMP
for students entering 9th-12th grade
Friends • Music • Memories
Dates June 1-5 (Monday-Friday)
Time 8:30am-12pm
Cost
$275
Grades
Entering Grades 9-12 (Co-Ed)
Location
Skyway Conservatory 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructors
Mr. Jeff Wilson
Dr. Shane Ryan (’16)
Miss Katelyn Dietz (’14)
The High School Band Camp is an opportunity for students to start their journey of learning a band instrument. It is also designed for students with experience who want to improve their skills on traditional band instruments, including the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, drums, and more. All experience levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced high school-aged students. Our goal is to make music and have fun with friends.
A short concert will occur on Friday, June 5 at 11:30am.
Note: All are welcome. Instruments are available to borrow.
HS Band Camp/PIE JR. Camp - DISCOUNT BUNDLE!
Bundle both HS Band Camp and PIE JR. Camp for a $50 discount savings.
Dates: June 1-5 (8:30am-12pm) / June 8-12 (9am-4pm)
Performance on Friday, June 12 at 3pm.
Note: Performers should wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes. Snacks provided. Pack your own lunch.
JUNE 8-12, 2026
4th-12th grade
Friends • Creativity • Memories
Dates June 8-12 (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-4pm
Cost $275
Grades
Entering Grades 4-12 (Co-Ed)
Location
Skyway Conservatory 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructors
Mr. Jeff Wilson
Dr. Shane Ryan (’16) Miss Katelyn Dietz (’14)
Introduction to the skills of our award-winning Performing Indoor Ensemble (PIE). Rising fourth through twelfth-grade students will learn how to apply band (woodwind, brass, and mixed percussion) and color guard (flags, choreography, and dance) to produce a “mini-show” performance in one week. Some band experience required. No experience needed to participate with the color guard.
Performance on Friday, June 12 at 3pm.
Note: Performers should wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes. Snacks provided. Pack your own lunch.
SUMMER ART CAMP
Friends • Creativity • Memories
Dates June 8-12 (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-12pm
Cost $300
Grades
Entering Grades 1-2 (Co-Ed)
Location Skyway Conservatory 100 Skyway Dr San Jose, CA 95111
Instructor Mrs. Jill Carlson
Art Camp emphasizes creativity as an integral part of the art process, regardless of a student’s level of experience. By teaching fundamental skills and concepts, the instructor encourages students to see art as a means of personal expression. The Valley Christian Elementary School Art Camp allows children to immerse themselves in an array of intensive art studio experiences. Children will be up to their elbows in fun as they dabble in a kaleidoscope of exciting art!
Note: Children should plan to wear clothing that can get messy and stained. Pack a snack and drink for a break outside.
SUMMER ART CAMP
JUNE 8-12, 2026
for students entering 3rd-5th grade
Friends • Creativity • Memories
Dates June 8-12 (Monday-Friday)
Time 1pm-4pm
Cost $300
Grades
Entering Grades 3-5 (Co-Ed)
Location Skyway Conservatory 100 Skyway Dr San Jose, CA 95111
Instructor Mrs. Jill Carlson
Art Camp emphasizes creativity as an integral part of the art process, regardless of a student’s level of experience. By teaching fundamental skills and concepts, the instructor encourages students to see art as a means of personal expression. The Valley Christian Elementary School Art Camp allows children to immerse themselves in an array of intensive art studio experiences. Children will be up to their elbows in fun as they dabble in a kaleidoscope of exciting art!
Note: Children should plan to wear clothing that can get messy and stained. Pack a snack and drink for a break outside.
SUMMER THEATRE CAMP
Dates June 8-18 (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-12pm
Cost
$495
Grades
Entering Grades 3-5 (Co-Ed)
Location
Skyway Theatre 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Camp registration closes Monday, May 11. for students entering 3rd-5th grade JUNE 8-18, 2026
Instructor
Miss Sophia McCann (’15) Mr. Justin McPherson (’07)
Join us for a two-week, half-day camp for students entering grades 3-5. These young actors will focus on learning lines, basic stage directions, introductory vocals, choreography, and stage movement, culminating with a fun and energetic “mini-show” performance on June 18 at 12pm. This year’s camp is not to be missed and will give budding thespians great building blocks for their future at VCT.
Mandatory Camp Showcase June 18 at 12pm
Note: Camp fee includes a camp t-shirt. Students are responsible for bringing their own snack. If you have questions, or if all spots are full when you go to register, please contact Cristina Zepeda, czepeda@vcs.net, to be placed on a waitlist.
SUMMER THEATRE CAMP JUNE 8-26, 2026
for students entering 6th-12th grade
Summer Theatre 2026: Disney’s FROZEN JR.
Dates June 8-26 (Closed June 19) (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-3pm
Cost $795
Grades
Entering Grades 6-12 (Co-Ed)
Location Skyway Theatre 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructor
Miss Sophia McCann (’15)
Mr. Justin McPherson (’07)
Disney’s enchanting modern classic comes to life in Frozen JR. this summer at VCT! Based on the hit Broadway musical, the show brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to the stage with beloved songs and exciting new moments written for Broadway. Students will explore a heartfelt story of courage, acceptance, and sisterhood as Anna and Elsa discover their inner strength. Filled with magic, adventure, humor, and unforgettable characters, Frozen JR. promises a fun, inspiring, and confidence-building summer experience.
Join us for a three-week, full day camp for students entering grades 6-12. Students will spend their days rehearsing vocals, choreography, and staging, leading up to performances on June 25-26. Every student is guaranteed a role in the show! Join us for a summer filled with creativity, growth, and the magic of Frozen JR!
No camp on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Mandatory Performances on June 25-26 at 6pm. Camp hours will be adjusted on these two days to accommodate the performances.
Note: Camp fee includes a camp t-shirt. Students are responsible for bringing their own snack and lunch. If you have questions, or if all spots are full when you go to register, please contact Cristina Zepeda, czepeda@vcs.net, to be placed on a waitlist.
Camp registration closes Monday, May 11.
SUMMER DANCE CAMP
JUNE 8-18, 2026 for students entering 1st-8th grade
Vivid 2 - The Dance Team Experience
Dates June 8-18 (Monday-Friday)
Time 1pm-4pm
Cost $475 Grades
Entering Grades 1-8 (Co-Ed)
Location Skyway Theatre
100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Coaches
Mrs. Colette Evans
Miss Megan Stagi
Vivid Dance Team
Sponsored and facilitated by the members of Valley Christian’s Vivid Dance Team, Vivid 2 introduces young dancers to the fast-paced and exciting world of competitive dance teams! Participants will learn cuttingedge routines, develop team spirit, and have a fantastic time while enhancing their performance skills and dance techniques.
The camp will culminate in a dynamic performance showcasing the combinations and techniques learned over the two weeks. Join us and be a part of our nationally ranked team! Let’s dance!
The camp performance will be held on Thursday, June 18, at 3pm in the VCHS Theatre.
Note: The fee includes a dance team shirt, daily nutritious snacks, and performance expenses. Students will need to provide jazz shoes. Fees will go directly to support Vivid: Valley Christian’s award-winning competitive dance team. If you have any questions, please contact Colette Evans, cevans@vcs.net
Valley Christian Schools Graduations
View the latest graduation information on our website, including attendance requirements, parking, photograph details, and more, as we come together to celebrate our Warrior Graduates!
WARRIOR FUND
Tuition funds operations. Philanthropy fuels vision. Every gift makes a difference, so please consider donating to the Warrior Fund today.
The 1960 Founders Path is an opportunity to honor the legacy of Valley Christian Schools while investing in its future. Visit vcs.net/founderspath to learn how to purchase your brick!
1960 FOUNDERS PATH Giving PLANNED
The Shechem Oak Society honors alumni, parents, and friends who have included Valley Christian Schools in their estate plans, empowering future generations just as the oak at Shechem symbolized God’s faithfulness throughout biblical history. Your gift ensures our faithful witness to God’s kingdom mission through VCS to all generations.
We invite you to join the Shechem Oak Society. Visit plannedgiving.vcs.net or contact advancement@vcs.net to explore the variety of ways you can make a lasting impact at VCS.
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
