Meet Our Alumni
Violinists
Andrew Hallack
Andrew is a senior violinist at Seven Lakes High School. He is a member of the varsity orchestra and performs under the direction of Desiree Overree.
Andrew is a senior violinist at Seven Lakes High School. He is a member of the varsity orchestra and performs under the direction of Desiree Overree.
Bruce Luo
Bruce is a senior violinist at Seven Lakes High School. He is a member of the varsity orchestra and performs under the direction of Desiree Overree.
Bruce is a senior violinist at Seven Lakes High School. He is a member of the varsity orchestra and performs under the direction of Desiree Overree.
Ashish Chakraborty
Ashish has been involved in Song of Hope since his sophomore year, and is its current Vice President. He has been part of the Region 23 Orchestras for the past four years, and the TMEA All-State String Orchestra for his Junior and Senior year. He has also been the recipient of an Outstanding Performer Gold Medal from the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Competition, playing the finale of Bruch's Scottish Fantasy. In his free time, Ashish enjoys exploring YouTube for new classical music to listen to and learn.
Ashish has been involved in Song of Hope since his sophomore year, and is its current Vice President. He has been part of the Region 23 Orchestras for the past four years, and the TMEA All-State String Orchestra for his Junior and Senior year. He has also been the recipient of an Outstanding Performer Gold Medal from the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Competition, playing the finale of Bruch's Scottish Fantasy. In his free time, Ashish enjoys exploring YouTube for new classical music to listen to and learn.
Roger Shui
Roger Shui attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been playing the violin for nine years, and currently studies with Dr. Jiang. Roger has participated in TMEA's Region XXIII Orchestras as well as its All-State Orchestras, and has also taken part in a number of competitions, such as the Fort Bend Symphony's Concerto Competition.
Music has always been a source of inspiration to Roger, and he continues to pursue this passion with dedication.
Roger Shui attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been playing the violin for nine years, and currently studies with Dr. Jiang. Roger has participated in TMEA's Region XXIII Orchestras as well as its All-State Orchestras, and has also taken part in a number of competitions, such as the Fort Bend Symphony's Concerto Competition.
Music has always been a source of inspiration to Roger, and he continues to pursue this passion with dedication.
Chloe Yang
Chloe Yang is currently a senior at Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. She has played the violin for nine years and is currently studying with Dr. Jiang. Outside of school, she performs with the Houston Youth Symphony and enjoys playing music at local nursing homes and hospitals. She has been a four-year member of the Region XXIII Orchestra as a first violinist, and has received many accolades for her solo and ensemble performances on the local and state levels. This year, she was selected to perform in the 31st annual Houston Young Artists Concert. For the past three years, Chloe has been selected to participate in the TMEA All-State Orchestras. Though she hopes to continue performing music in college, her ultimate aspiration is to be able to share the beauty of music with her community and to engender a deeper appreciation for classical music through her playing.
Chloe Yang is currently a senior at Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. She has played the violin for nine years and is currently studying with Dr. Jiang. Outside of school, she performs with the Houston Youth Symphony and enjoys playing music at local nursing homes and hospitals. She has been a four-year member of the Region XXIII Orchestra as a first violinist, and has received many accolades for her solo and ensemble performances on the local and state levels. This year, she was selected to perform in the 31st annual Houston Young Artists Concert. For the past three years, Chloe has been selected to participate in the TMEA All-State Orchestras. Though she hopes to continue performing music in college, her ultimate aspiration is to be able to share the beauty of music with her community and to engender a deeper appreciation for classical music through her playing.
Hannah Kim
Hannah Kim attends Tompkins High School, performing under the direction of Matthew Porter. She has been playing violin for twelve years and currently studies under Mary Song and Seth Freeman. Hannah has participated in the Region 23 Junior High Symphony Orchestra as a 1st violinist for three years and has served as concertmaster in the String, Sinfonia, and Philharmonia Orchestras of Houston Youth Symphony. Hannah has also participated in TMEA's All-State orchestra for three consecutive years and has recently performed at Carnegie Hall as a member of National Youth Orchestra 2.
Hannah Kim attends Tompkins High School, performing under the direction of Matthew Porter. She has been playing violin for twelve years and currently studies under Mary Song and Seth Freeman. Hannah has participated in the Region 23 Junior High Symphony Orchestra as a 1st violinist for three years and has served as concertmaster in the String, Sinfonia, and Philharmonia Orchestras of Houston Youth Symphony. Hannah has also participated in TMEA's All-State orchestra for three consecutive years and has recently performed at Carnegie Hall as a member of National Youth Orchestra 2.
Kelly Yang
Kelly Yang is a sophomore Management Information Systems major at Texas A&M University. She is grateful for the time she has spent with Song of Hope, because it allowed her to "create music with friends while being able to give back to the community." Kelly continues to play the violin as a hobby.
Kelly Yang is a sophomore Management Information Systems major at Texas A&M University. She is grateful for the time she has spent with Song of Hope, because it allowed her to "create music with friends while being able to give back to the community." Kelly continues to play the violin as a hobby.
Nicole Kwan
Nicole Kwan currently attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. She has been playing for 5 years and currently studies with David Cheng, previously studying with Judy Nicolson. Nicole has garnered multiple awards from UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, TMEA Region 23 Orchestra and Houston Young Artists.
Nicole Kwan currently attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. She has been playing for 5 years and currently studies with David Cheng, previously studying with Judy Nicolson. Nicole has garnered multiple awards from UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, TMEA Region 23 Orchestra and Houston Young Artists.
Jaein Kim
Jaein Kim currently attends Cinco Ranch High school, previously performing under the direction of Brett Nelson. She has played the violin for seven years, and had studied with Mr. Yin. Although Jaein is no longer affiliated with an orchestra, she hopes to continue playing music by performing for those in her community.
Jaein Kim currently attends Cinco Ranch High school, previously performing under the direction of Brett Nelson. She has played the violin for seven years, and had studied with Mr. Yin. Although Jaein is no longer affiliated with an orchestra, she hopes to continue playing music by performing for those in her community.
Stephanie Zhou
Stephanie Zhou attends Seven Lakes High School and performs under the direction of Desiree Overree. She currently studies with Mary Song and has been playing violin for nine years. Stephanie has been accepted into the TMEA Symphony Region Orchestra every year. Stephanie participated in the Greater Houston Youth Orchestra (GHYO), where she performed in churches, hospitals and retirement homes.
Stephanie Zhou attends Seven Lakes High School and performs under the direction of Desiree Overree. She currently studies with Mary Song and has been playing violin for nine years. Stephanie has been accepted into the TMEA Symphony Region Orchestra every year. Stephanie participated in the Greater Houston Youth Orchestra (GHYO), where she performed in churches, hospitals and retirement homes.
Helen Zhou
Helen Zhou attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. She currently studies with Mary Song and has been playing the violin for eleven years. Helen has participated in the Greater Houston Youth Orchestra (GHYO) for three years and has received the following accomplishments: 2009-1st place String Ensemble, 2010-3rd place Phil, and 2011-1st place Phil. She has also participated in TMEA's All-State orchestra for multiple years.
Helen Zhou attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. She currently studies with Mary Song and has been playing the violin for eleven years. Helen has participated in the Greater Houston Youth Orchestra (GHYO) for three years and has received the following accomplishments: 2009-1st place String Ensemble, 2010-3rd place Phil, and 2011-1st place Phil. She has also participated in TMEA's All-State orchestra for multiple years.
James Chen
James Chen attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has played violin for six years, previously studied with David Cheng, and currently studies with Dr. Jiang. Over the years, James has earned the following awards for various instruments:
Violin: ones on UIL Solo and Ensemble, TMEA Region, etc.
Piano: All state musician twice at TFMC All State Music Festival.
James Chen attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has played violin for six years, previously studied with David Cheng, and currently studies with Dr. Jiang. Over the years, James has earned the following awards for various instruments:
Violin: ones on UIL Solo and Ensemble, TMEA Region, etc.
Piano: All state musician twice at TFMC All State Music Festival.
Ashley Xu
Ashley attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree, and has been playing violin for seven years and piano for twelve. She studies with Mary Song (violin) and Scott Holshouser, pianist of the Houston Symphony. Ashley has received several music awards, such as five All-State Winner awards and two Gold Cups from TFMC State Music Festival, 2nd place in the Joyce Cochran Piano Competition, and Finalist in the Schmidbauer Young Artist Concerto Competition, to name a few. She also participated in TMEA's All-State Orchestras and has performed as a piano soloist at New York City's Carnegie Hall in 2015.
Ashley attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree, and has been playing violin for seven years and piano for twelve. She studies with Mary Song (violin) and Scott Holshouser, pianist of the Houston Symphony. Ashley has received several music awards, such as five All-State Winner awards and two Gold Cups from TFMC State Music Festival, 2nd place in the Joyce Cochran Piano Competition, and Finalist in the Schmidbauer Young Artist Concerto Competition, to name a few. She also participated in TMEA's All-State Orchestras and has performed as a piano soloist at New York City's Carnegie Hall in 2015.
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Michael Pan
Michael Pan currently attends UT Austin with a major in Business. He is a graduate of Seven Lakes High School and was concertmaster of 2015 Symphony that won the title of 2016 TMEA Honor Full Orchestra, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. Michael has been playing for 12 years, studying under David Cheng, and Mary Song. Michael was named an outstanding performer in the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in 2013. He has also participated in TMEA Region-23 Orchestra for the last 6 years and performed violin duet Navarra Op.33 by Pablo De Sarasate with Jonathan Pan in the Houston Young Artists' Concert. |
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Jonathan Pan
Jonathan Pan is currently majoring in music at the University of Houston under Professor Andrjez Grabiec. Previously part of the Seven Lakes High School Orchestra under the direction of Desiree Overree, he has been playing for 11 years and has studied with David Cheng, and Mary Song. Jonathan was named an outstanding performer in the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest and has made region orchestra for the last 7 years. He has also participated in TMEA All-State and Houston Young Artists' Concert. |
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Kristan Ortiz
Kristan Ortiz is majoring in Chemical Engineering at UT Austin. A graduate of Seven Lakes High School, Kristan performed in the school's top orchestra under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has played violin for 7 years with private lessons from Mary Song. Kristan has performed in region orchestra for the past 6 years and has received a superior rating at TSSEC for his performance of violin duet Navarra Op.33 by Pablo De Sarasate with Abby Graeflin. |
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Tawsif Azad
Tawsif Azad is currently attending UT Austin with a major in Electrical Engineering. Previously he attended Seven Lakes High School and performed in the school's top orchestra under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has played violin for 7 years under the guidance of David Cheng. Tawsif is the co-captain of the Seven Lakes Science Olympiad Team, which was recognized in 2013 as a top ten nationally ranked team. Outside of academics, he has also performed with the TMEA All-State Philharmonic Orchestra and has received Superior Ratings for TSSEC in 2013, 2014, and 2015. |
Violists |
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Diego Contreras
Diego Contreras attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been studying viola for six years with Ms. Tompkins of Katy, Texas, and had participated in TMEA's Region XXIII Orchestras for three years. Diego has consistently scored 1's on his UIL Solo and Ensemble since 7th grade, and also scored a 1 at TSSEC in 2015.
Diego Contreras attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been studying viola for six years with Ms. Tompkins of Katy, Texas, and had participated in TMEA's Region XXIII Orchestras for three years. Diego has consistently scored 1's on his UIL Solo and Ensemble since 7th grade, and also scored a 1 at TSSEC in 2015.
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Caroline Jok
Caroline is attending The George Washington University with a double major in international affairs with concentrations in global government and security policy & political science. An alumni of Seven Lakes High School, Caroline performed in the school orchestra under the direction of Desiree Overree, and has played viola for 6 years and piano for 12. She has received TMEA superior ratings in piano for the last four years. Caroline was also a Science Olympian, HOBY alumnus, and former secretary of the SLHS orchestra and Interact Club. |
Anooj Shah
Anooj Shah attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He currently studies with Rebecca Tompkins and has been playing for five years. Anooj has participated in TMEA's Region XXIII Orchestras multiple times. He has also participated in Houston Youth Symphony.
Anooj Shah attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He currently studies with Rebecca Tompkins and has been playing for five years. Anooj has participated in TMEA's Region XXIII Orchestras multiple times. He has also participated in Houston Youth Symphony.
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Tung To
Tung currently attends UT Austin with a major in Biochem. Graduating from Seven Lakes High School, Tung performed under the direction of Desiree Overree, and has played the viola for 7 years. He has garnered various awards from TMEA All-Region Orchestra and UIL Solo and Ensemble contests. |
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James Fang
James Fang attends UT San Antonio with an undecided major. He has played viola for 6 years and self taught himself how to play the piano. James' musical achievements include performing in the TMEA Region 23 Orchestra and several accolades from UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. |
Brandon Chang
Brandon Chang attends Seven Lakes High School performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been playing for six years and has garnered various awards from TMEA region and solo and ensemble contests.
Brandon Chang attends Seven Lakes High School performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been playing for six years and has garnered various awards from TMEA region and solo and ensemble contests.
Nathan Dias
Nathan Dias attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been playing viola for six years and currently studies with Teresa Tan. He has participated in TMEA’s Region XXIII Orchestras multiple times.
Nathan Dias attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been playing viola for six years and currently studies with Teresa Tan. He has participated in TMEA’s Region XXIII Orchestras multiple times.
David Heredia
David Heredia attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been playing viola for six years and currently studies under Teresa Han. David has participated in TMEA’s Region XXIII Symphony Orchestras and has received multiple awards at the UIL Solo and Ensemble Competitions.
David Heredia attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been playing viola for six years and currently studies under Teresa Han. David has participated in TMEA’s Region XXIII Symphony Orchestras and has received multiple awards at the UIL Solo and Ensemble Competitions.
Cellists |
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Patrick Song
Patrick attends UT Austin with a major in biology. Graduating from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Patrick performed under the direction of Dr. Hector Aguero. He has been playing cello for 6 years, has previously studied with Donna Rogers, Lachezar Kostov (San Antonio Symphony) and Xiao Wong,cellist of the Houston Symphony. Patrick performed in the Houston Youth Symphony (HYS) for 3 seasons as the associate principle cellist and, in the summer of 2012, received a full scholarship to study with John Walz and Stan Sharp at the Idyllwild Summer Chamber Festival. He has received numerous awards and participated in the Symphony Region Orchestra (2008-2012), TMEA All-State Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Midland-Odessa Symphony Young Artist Competition, along with numerous masterclasses led by highly esteemed musicians, including Brinton Smith, Tony Kitai, and Christopher French. |
Gary Wang
Gary is a senior cellist at Obra D. Tompkins High School. He is a member of the varsity orchestra and performs under the direction of Matthew Porter.
Gary is a senior cellist at Obra D. Tompkins High School. He is a member of the varsity orchestra and performs under the direction of Matthew Porter.
Camila Bohorquez
Camila is a senior cellist at Obra D. Tompkins High School. She is a member of the varsity orchestra and performs under the direction of Matthew Porter.
Camila is a senior cellist at Obra D. Tompkins High School. She is a member of the varsity orchestra and performs under the direction of Matthew Porter.
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Jenny Kim
Jenny Kim will be pursuing a major in Neuroscience at UChicago this fall. Graduating from Seven Lakes High School, Jenny performed in the school orchestra under the direction of Desiree Overree. She previously studied under Donna Rogers and Cindy Fu, and has been playing cello for 8 years. Jenny was accepted into the TMEA 2013 All-State Philharmonic Orchestra, 2014 All-State Symphony Orchestra, and was a member of the Houston Youth Symphony (HYS). |
Thomas Xiong
Thomas Xiong attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He studies with Xiao Wang and has been playing cello for seven years. Thomas has participated in TMEA's Region XXIII Symphony Orchestras multiple times and its All-State Orchestras in 2015, serving as the principal cellist of the All-State Philharmonia Orchestra. He is also a member of the Houston Youth Symphony and has served as the assistant principal and principal cellist of the Symphony Orchestra. Along with numerous awards in music, Thomas represented the United States and was a Gold Medalist at the prestigious International Biology Olympiad.
Thomas Xiong attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He studies with Xiao Wang and has been playing cello for seven years. Thomas has participated in TMEA's Region XXIII Symphony Orchestras multiple times and its All-State Orchestras in 2015, serving as the principal cellist of the All-State Philharmonia Orchestra. He is also a member of the Houston Youth Symphony and has served as the assistant principal and principal cellist of the Symphony Orchestra. Along with numerous awards in music, Thomas represented the United States and was a Gold Medalist at the prestigious International Biology Olympiad.
Samir Epili
Samir Epili attends Seven Lakes High School performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been playing string bass for five years and currently studies with Andy Moritz. Samir has participated in a number of extracurricular music groups such as Region orchestra as well as TMEA all-state orchestra. When he’s not playing bass, Samir can be found at the hockey rink where he has participated in the ISHL state hockey tournament in both 9th and 10th grade.
Samir Epili attends Seven Lakes High School performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been playing string bass for five years and currently studies with Andy Moritz. Samir has participated in a number of extracurricular music groups such as Region orchestra as well as TMEA all-state orchestra. When he’s not playing bass, Samir can be found at the hockey rink where he has participated in the ISHL state hockey tournament in both 9th and 10th grade.
Diego Maceda
Diego Maceda attends Seven Lakes High School performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been playing cello for four and a half years and currently studies with Ellie Herrera, a cellist of the Houston Symphony. Diego has accumulated multiple Superior ratings in UIL solo and ensemble and plans to minor in music in college.
Diego Maceda attends Seven Lakes High School performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. He has been playing cello for four and a half years and currently studies with Ellie Herrera, a cellist of the Houston Symphony. Diego has accumulated multiple Superior ratings in UIL solo and ensemble and plans to minor in music in college.
Sarah Campbell
Sarah Campbell attends Seven Lakes High School performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. She has been playing for five years and studies with Ellie Herrera, a cellist of the Houston Symphony. She has received superior ratings in UIL solo and ensemble contest for the past five years and has attended TMEA region orchestra for the last three years. Sarah hopes to continue music after high school and college.
Sarah Campbell attends Seven Lakes High School performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. She has been playing for five years and studies with Ellie Herrera, a cellist of the Houston Symphony. She has received superior ratings in UIL solo and ensemble contest for the past five years and has attended TMEA region orchestra for the last three years. Sarah hopes to continue music after high school and college.
Hunter Hewitt
Hunter Hewitt currently attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree.
Hunter Hewitt currently attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree.
Katherine Zheng
Katherine Zhang attends Tompkins High School, performing under the direction of Matthew Porter.
Jeffrey Zhu
Jeffrey Zhu currently attends Obra D. Tompkins High School, performing under the direction of Matthew Porter.
Jeffrey Zhu currently attends Obra D. Tompkins High School, performing under the direction of Matthew Porter.
Maxine Tao
Maxine Tao currently attends Texas Academy of Math and Science. She has played violin and piano before finally settling with the cello, which she has studied for the past four and a half years with Cindy Fu. Maxine is a former cellist of Houston Youth Symphony (Philharmonic and Sinfonia orchestras) and has participated as a violinist in the JH Region orchestras. In past summers, she attended the Virtuosi Chamber music Workshop and has traveled to The University of Texas at Arlington to further her musical prowess.
Maxine Tao currently attends Texas Academy of Math and Science. She has played violin and piano before finally settling with the cello, which she has studied for the past four and a half years with Cindy Fu. Maxine is a former cellist of Houston Youth Symphony (Philharmonic and Sinfonia orchestras) and has participated as a violinist in the JH Region orchestras. In past summers, she attended the Virtuosi Chamber music Workshop and has traveled to The University of Texas at Arlington to further her musical prowess.
Emily Yu
Emily Yu currently attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree.
Emily Yu currently attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree.
Lia Ospina
Lia Ospina attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. She has been playing cello for six years, currently studying under Cindy Fu. Lia has consistently received multiple awards in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Competitions.
Lia Ospina attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree. She has been playing cello for six years, currently studying under Cindy Fu. Lia has consistently received multiple awards in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Competitions.
Pianists |
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Ashley Xu
In addition to violin, Ashley also performs piano repertoire with Song of Hope. Ashley attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree, and has been playing violin for five years and piano for ten. She studies with Mary Song (violin) and Scott Holshouser, pianist of the Houston Symphony. Ashley has received several music awards, such as five All-State Winner awards and two Gold Cups from TFMC State Music Festival; 2nd place in Joyce Cochran Piano Competition; Outstanding Medal for piano and a superior rating for violin at TSSEC, to name a few.
In addition to violin, Ashley also performs piano repertoire with Song of Hope. Ashley attends Seven Lakes High School, performing under the direction of Desiree Overree, and has been playing violin for five years and piano for ten. She studies with Mary Song (violin) and Scott Holshouser, pianist of the Houston Symphony. Ashley has received several music awards, such as five All-State Winner awards and two Gold Cups from TFMC State Music Festival; 2nd place in Joyce Cochran Piano Competition; Outstanding Medal for piano and a superior rating for violin at TSSEC, to name a few.
Stephanie Cham
Stephanie Cham is a music major at SMU with a double major in Piano Performance and Journalism. A graduate of Seven Lakes High School, Stephanie performed under the direction of Desiree Overree and has played the piano for 12 years. She is a versatile musician as a classically trained vocalist and a player of the violin, guitar, and zither. Stephanie was the principle pianist of the 2013 TMEA All-State Orchestras and has accumulated numerous awards including Outstanding Performer for piano in UIL Solo and Ensemble, superior ratings at UIL Solo and Ensemble for three years in ensemble, violin, vocal, and piano performances, superior ratings at TSSEC for two years, and superior ratings from National Piano Guild Auditions several times, to name a few. She continues her piano studies with private lessons under Dr. Carol Leone.
Stephanie Cham is a music major at SMU with a double major in Piano Performance and Journalism. A graduate of Seven Lakes High School, Stephanie performed under the direction of Desiree Overree and has played the piano for 12 years. She is a versatile musician as a classically trained vocalist and a player of the violin, guitar, and zither. Stephanie was the principle pianist of the 2013 TMEA All-State Orchestras and has accumulated numerous awards including Outstanding Performer for piano in UIL Solo and Ensemble, superior ratings at UIL Solo and Ensemble for three years in ensemble, violin, vocal, and piano performances, superior ratings at TSSEC for two years, and superior ratings from National Piano Guild Auditions several times, to name a few. She continues her piano studies with private lessons under Dr. Carol Leone.
