Meet Our Performers

Alexander Hsieh

Oboeist

Hi! My name is Alexander Hsieh. I'm fifteen years old and have been playing music ever since I was five, though I'm nearing my fourth year of playing the oboe. I would consider music my biggest hobby, and as such is something that I both really enjoy listening to and playing. Over my years playing oboe, I've participated in many different ensembles and music groups including Greenwood Music Camp, Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra, Colburn Sinfonietta, and all state groups like CBDA and SCSBOA. To me, the most enjoyable aspect of music is the teamwork aspect, so I'd like to end off this little remark by thanking fellow music loving students and teachers alike for making music such a fun activity!

Rio Navarro

Accordion & Cello

My name is Rio Navarro. I'm 15 years old and a student at La Cañada High School. I play both the cello and the accordion, and what I love most about music is the sense of community. It truly feels like a place where I belong. Some of my musical accomplishments include performing for guests at the Pasadena Playhouse Gala, the Playhouse Party, winning the All-Ireland Championship title for accordion, receiving the Cotati student scholarship, and earning first place at the Dan Stover Memorial competition. In addition to music, I’m a competitive Irish dancer. Every St. Patrick’s Day for the past 10 years, I’ve performed right here at Villa Gardens with Cleary Irish Dance. Outside of music and dance, I’m an avid outdoors enthusiast, a speedcuber, and I aspire to become either a commercial airline pilot or work for NASA someday. I'm so excited to share my music with you!

Kathy Waterman

Soprano

Hello, my name is Kathy, and I am a soprano currently involved in the South Pasadena High School Choir. I have been part of the South Pasadena choir program since middle school, and my passion for music and vocal performance has always been strong. In addition to school performances, I enjoy participating in smaller, community-based events where I can share my love for music outside of class.

Joanne Turner

Soprano

Hello! My name is Joanne Turner, and my instrument is my voice. I’m a classically trained soprano with a range of F♯3 to G7. While I specialize in both choral and musical theater singing, I consider myself strongest as a choral vocalist. I have spent over five years as a member of the Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC), an experience that shaped my vocal technique and musical discipline. I’ve also performed in musical theater for more than seven years, playing lead roles in nine different productions. These opportunities taught me the importance of collaboration as well as how to shine as an individual. In 2023, my training and experience led to me being signed by a talent agent. A few months later, I was selected as a soprano for the 2024 SCVA Junior Honor Choir, an experience that fully opened my eyes to the beauty of choral singing. More recently, I was chosen from over 6,000 applicants to join the 2025 ACDA 8–10 Treble National Honor Choir. Being a part of this choir was an incredibly unique experience. While most other choristers had friends from their own schools participating, most students at my school had no idea that honor choirs existed. Despite my initial reservations, over the course of the three rehearsal dates, I bonded with my peers over our shared love of music, and our choir was able to take some of the most challenging pieces and turn them into passionate works of art. These choirs provided me the opportunity to elevate my vocal technique and musical expression, and also connected me with world-class conductors, educators, and peers from across the country. Throughout middle school, I was a three-year soloist for the SPMS choral music program. I performed in and helped select members for our annual Valentines Singing Grams, and created the school’s choral music library. I also had the honor of singing the National Anthem at our promotion ceremony. More recently, I mentored the Preparatory Choir at LACC and performed a duet at their Spring Showcase. I continue to support the SPMS choral program by volunteering at rehearsals and concerts, including curating the music slideshow and helping with logistics. In addition to performing, I run a music account on Instagram where I post covers of songs I enjoy or that are requested by my followers. If you'd like to connect or have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at @joannelturner2028@gmail.com, or on Instagram at @music_by_leia (https://www.instagram.com/music_by_leia).

Jeremy Chen

Violin

Jeremy Chen, has been playing the violin since he was 5 years old. Music has given him the chance to grow, connect with others, and share something he really cares about. He has had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, which was an unforgettable experience. He also placed second a few times in the Open Division at the Satori competition, and has been lucky to take part in many festivals through the Glendale branch of MTAC. Through all of these experiences, he has learned that music isn’t just about performing — it’s about the dedication behind the practice, the friendships made along the way, and the joy of sharing music with others. Outside of perofrming music, Jeremy likes to play tennis and hang out with friends.

Dylan Watanabe

Guitar

Dylan Watanabe began his musical journey at the age of four with the piano, developing a strong foundation in music and expression early on. By age seven, he discovered the guitar and quickly fell in love with its versatility and rich sound. Since then, Dylan has immersed himself in a wide range of musical genres from classical and jazz to rock and smooth pop, continually expanding his skills and deepening his passion for music. He currently studies classical guitar under the guidance of Brian Barany at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, where he refines his technique and musical interpretation. Dylan has earned top honors in numerous competitions, including the Musical Arts Competition of Orange County, the Texas Guitar Competition and Festival, the Dan Stover Music Competition, and IAPMT, showcasing both his talent and dedication to his craft. A sophomore at South Pasadena High School in Southern California, Dylan plays electric guitar in the school’s jazz band, blending technical precision with creative improvisation. Outside of music, he a tennis player and an avid member of the speech and debate team, where he enjoys engaging with ideas and honing his public speaking skills. For Dylan, music is more than a hobby, it is a powerful outlet for self-expression and a meaningful way to connect with others