Co-President
David Yi, a junior at Bridgewater-Raritan High School in New Jersey, discovered his passion for the cello in 5th grade and has since honed his craft under the guidance of Dr. Mira Kang. As a dedicated member of his school's orchestra, David has served as section leader for the past three years, consistently showcasing his musi
Co-President
David Yi, a junior at Bridgewater-Raritan High School in New Jersey, discovered his passion for the cello in 5th grade and has since honed his craft under the guidance of Dr. Mira Kang. As a dedicated member of his school's orchestra, David has served as section leader for the past three years, consistently showcasing his musical prowess. His talents extend beyond the school setting, earning him recognition as a chamber musician at the Vivo International Music Competition. Engaged in his local music community, David has contributed to various musical groups including the Bernards Ensemble, Veritas Youth Orchestra, and Mockingbird Melody. Notably, he has held positions in esteemed orchestras such as the Central Jersey Regional Orchestra and the New Jersey All-State Orchestra, where he recently attained the role of principal cellist in the 2023-24 CJMEA Regional Orchestra. Inspired by his musician mother, David actively promotes musical culture by organizing lunch concerts for the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Despite his devotion to music, David also finds joy in playing hockey for his school's varsity team. Looking ahead, he is eager to continue sharing his passion for music, fostering community engagement, and leaving a lasting impact through volunteer initiatives in the years to come.
Outreach Director
Joshua Cha, a dedicated young musician, is currently enrolled in 9th grade at Princeton Day School and the Pre-College program at the Juilliard School under the tutelage of Toby Appel and Joohyun Kim. His musical journey began at Princeton Day School in Princeton, New Jersey, where he commenced his formal education in 201
Outreach Director
Joshua Cha, a dedicated young musician, is currently enrolled in 9th grade at Princeton Day School and the Pre-College program at the Juilliard School under the tutelage of Toby Appel and Joohyun Kim. His musical journey began at Princeton Day School in Princeton, New Jersey, where he commenced his formal education in 2014, discovering his passion for music and embarking on his path as a violist.
Throughout his musical career, Joshua has actively contributed to various prestigious ensembles, serving as the Principal Violist for both the New Jersey Youth Philharmonia and the Princeton Day School Orchestra, demonstrating his leadership and musical prowess. His commitment to excellence earned him recognition at the Central Jersey Music Educators Association (CJMEA) All-State Orchestra audition, where he secured the First Place position as Principal Violist, and led him to participate in the New Jersey Youth Symphony.
Joshua's dedication to musical excellence has garnered him numerous awards and accolades, including Third Place in the International Grande Music Competition in April 2023.
As Joshua continues to progress in his musical journey, he remains committed to honing his skills and exploring new avenues of artistic expression. With his unwavering passion, talent, and determination, Joshua Cha is poised to make a significant impact in the community as a member of Music of the Heart.
Website Manager
Soobin Kim, a freshman at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, has been playing the violin for about 6 years. Prior to this, Soobin excelled in piano, showcasing her talents with a memorable recital at Carnegie Hall as part of the Crescendo International Little Mozarts competition in 2018. Soobin's musical prowess extends beyon
Website Manager
Soobin Kim, a freshman at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, has been playing the violin for about 6 years. Prior to this, Soobin excelled in piano, showcasing her talents with a memorable recital at Carnegie Hall as part of the Crescendo International Little Mozarts competition in 2018. Soobin's musical prowess extends beyond solo performances; she has contributed her skills to esteemed orchestras such as Veritas Youth Orchestra, Bravura Youth Orchestra, and the New Jersey Youth Symphony. Notably, she has been a consistent member of CJMEA Intermediate Orchestra and All-State Orchestra. In recognition of her exceptional talent, Soobin was awarded High Honors by the NJ Music Teachers Association in 2022 and clinched First Prize at the Van Bach International Music Competition. As a dedicated website manager, Soobin is eager to continue sharing her passion for music and fostering connections through her involvement with Music of the Heart.
Social Media Manager
Kate Lee is a sophomore at Kent Place School. She began playing the violin in third grade, and has been studying at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division for several years. Additionally, she has been the recipient of numerous merit scholarships to prestigious summer music camps and festivals, where she has
Social Media Manager
Kate Lee is a sophomore at Kent Place School. She began playing the violin in third grade, and has been studying at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division for several years. Additionally, she has been the recipient of numerous merit scholarships to prestigious summer music camps and festivals, where she has been able to extend her musical experience and knowledge. Kate has also participated in various distinguished international competitions which have provided her with multiple opportunities to perform at Carnegie Hall. Despite her extensive solo experience, Kate enjoys playing with others and is a part of an array of orchestras and chamber music groups such as Kent Place School Orchestra, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Orchestras, Veritas, the Harambee Youth Orchestra, Bernards Ensemble, and Mockingbird Melody. When she isn’t playing the violin, Kate is also an artistic swimmer who competes on a national level. Whether it is in the pool or on stage, Kate has a passion for working with and helping others that she hopes to share with those around her.
Alto Saxophonist & Pianist, attends Montgomery High School. He has been playing piano since 5th grade and saxophone since 4th grade. Eric’s highest honors were; Principal Chair (saxophone) in the NJ Central Middle School Region Honor Wind Ensemble, Symphonic band NJ Central High School Region Honor Symphonic band ensemble, and he was in t
Alto Saxophonist & Pianist, attends Montgomery High School. He has been playing piano since 5th grade and saxophone since 4th grade. Eric’s highest honors were; Principal Chair (saxophone) in the NJ Central Middle School Region Honor Wind Ensemble, Symphonic band NJ Central High School Region Honor Symphonic band ensemble, and he was in the All-State Symphonic Band. He has won many gold and grand prizes from various competitions such as AAFAA and National League of Performing Arts and was invited to play in Carnegie Hall and Merkin Hall. In addition, Eric has received all Distinction ratings for both piano and saxophone ABRSM exams from grade 2 through 7. Eric is a member of the Jazz Band and the Wind Ensemble Band at Montgomery High School.
Matthew Keng is a sophomore at Montgomery High School, studying violin at Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program under violinist Pala Garcia. His parents started him on the violin at the young age of four because his father was an avid classical music listener since his college days, with the Beethoven Violin Concerto being one of his all
Matthew Keng is a sophomore at Montgomery High School, studying violin at Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program under violinist Pala Garcia. His parents started him on the violin at the young age of four because his father was an avid classical music listener since his college days, with the Beethoven Violin Concerto being one of his all-time favorites. Much of Matthew’s early musical endeavors include performing local recitals at the Westminster Conservatory in Princeton and beyond, and he eventually found his first and most prominent opportunity in chamber music in late 2016, forming the Trio Concitato along with two other excellent musicians. With this piano trio, Matthew garnered so many memories and experiences that will last a lifetime, including being invited to perform at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall by the American Fine Arts Festival and being invited numerous times to perform in Princeton for their annual Communiversity ArtsFest (now known as Porchfest). Trio Concitato performed a final time in 2023, before both other musicians embarked on their journey to university. Matthew also has numerous experiences and accolades on the soloistic level, including winning a scholarship competition at the Westminster Conservatory and being invited to perform in countless masterclasses with professional violinists like Charles Yang and William Harvey. In addition to violin, Matthew started the piano in 2019 and has collected numerous awards, including a few NJMTA Spring Piano Festival High Honors certificates. Matthew brings his accomplished chamber music and soloist experiences to ensembles as well, being a part of CJMEA’s regions and NJMEA All-State orchestras in 6th-8th grade, excluding the year of the pandemic, and has performed as associate concertmaster for the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra. He has performed in many notable venues, including Richardson Auditorium at Princeton University, Wolfensohn Hall at the Institute of Advanced Study, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Peter Jay Sharp Theater at The Juilliard School, and will perform at Alice Tully Hall with the Music Advancement Program Orchestra at Juilliard in May 2024. He is also looking forward to attending Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Young Artists Orchestra in the summer of 2024. On top of everything, Matthew’s passionate attitude guides him to serving the community that provided him with so many experiences and opportunities, and he hopes to share the love of music to everyone.
Aiden is a sophomore at Montgomery High School and fosters his musical education at Temple University’s Music Prep - CGYM as the principal violist in the highest division. His initial inspiration stemmed from listening to his sister’s lessons, embarking upon his own musical journey with the viola at the age of six. He has accumulated nume
Aiden is a sophomore at Montgomery High School and fosters his musical education at Temple University’s Music Prep - CGYM as the principal violist in the highest division. His initial inspiration stemmed from listening to his sister’s lessons, embarking upon his own musical journey with the viola at the age of six. He has accumulated numerous achievements over the course of his journey, including the 3, 5, and 7 year award from the NJMTA Spring Auditions/Recitals and receiving several High Honors recognition certificates. He gained leadership experience as the assistant principal viola in his freshman year with the PYOMI-PYAO in the 2022-2023 season. He has also had consistent enrollment in the CJMEA Regional and NJMEA All-State orchestras from 6th to 10th grade, being the principal viola in the 2021 CJMEA intermediate chamber orchestra. On the competitive level, Aiden has finished 2nd and 3rd place in the Prima Volta International Music Competition and has received the 1st place award in the New York International Music Competition. Aiden currently studies under Marvin Moon, a member of the world renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.
Ben Lee is a 9th grader at Rutgers Preparatory School and has played the cello since 3rd grade. He studied Cello with esteemed teachers such as David Geber and currently studies with Emirhan Tunca in the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division. Ben has attended a number of music festivals with merit scholarships and was recently inv
Ben Lee is a 9th grader at Rutgers Preparatory School and has played the cello since 3rd grade. He studied Cello with esteemed teachers such as David Geber and currently studies with Emirhan Tunca in the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division. Ben has attended a number of music festivals with merit scholarships and was recently invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. Throughout his musical journey, he has accumulated a number of prestigious awards, such as winning second place in both the Young Maestro International Competition, and the Concourse Competition hosted by the IAPMT. Ben participated in chamber music groups such as Bernards Ensemble and Mockingbird Melody and has been a part of many outstanding orchestras, including the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Orchestras, Veritas, and the Harambee Youth Orchestra. He wishes to spread the joy of music so that others can experience what he has through music.
Claire Kim, an 8th-grader at Montgomery Upper Middle School, serves as one of the cellists in Music of the Heart. She first started to get in touch with music when she was only 6 years old, with the piano. Not too long after, she discovered the cello at the age of 9 years old and began taking both piano and cello private lessons. After lo
Claire Kim, an 8th-grader at Montgomery Upper Middle School, serves as one of the cellists in Music of the Heart. She first started to get in touch with music when she was only 6 years old, with the piano. Not too long after, she discovered the cello at the age of 9 years old and began taking both piano and cello private lessons. After long years of dedication and hard work, Claire participated in the CJMEA Intermediate Orchestra when she was in the 7th grade, as well as the NJMEA Intermediate All-State Orchestra. This year, she had achieved in serving as the principal cellist for the string orchestra division for the CJMEA Intermediate Orchestra. In addition to this year, she has also made it into the NJMEA Intermediate All-State Orchestra as seventh chair as well. In UMS, she is currently serving as the section leader in both the 8th-grade and Select orchestras. As Claire continues to serve as a member of Music of the Heart, she hopes she can continue to enjoy making music and grow as a musician.
William Annin Middle School 8th Grade
Princeton Day School 9th Grade
Bridgewater Raritan Middle School 8th Grade & Manhattan School of Music Pre-College
Montgomery High School 11th Grade
Montgomery High School 11th Grade
Montgomery High School 11th Grade
Montgomery High School 12th Grade
Stage Manager
Montgomery High School 10th Grade
Stage Manager
Montgomery High School 10th Grade
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