As our season and the academic school year come to a close, we want to recognize and celebrate our choristers graduating high school.
These talented young individuals have been an integral part of our Choir community for years, and we're so proud of their incredible journeys during their time with us.
In this special blog post, we invite you to get to know our graduating class of 2024 a little better. They've shared their favorite memories, reflections, and what the San Diego Children's Choir has meant to them.
From unforgettable performances and tours to the lifelong friendships they've forged, these seniors have left an indelible mark on our organization.
Congratulations, class of 2024! Your hard work, dedication, and passion for music have inspired us all. We can't wait to see what the future holds for each and every one of you.
These choristers will be performing at our 34th Annual Spring Concert this Sunday, June 2, 2024. Event and Ticket Information here.
Francis Tian: Francis has been with the San Diego Choir for 10 years. His favorite memory was going to New York City for a tour in 2017 where he was able to spend time with friends sightseeing in NYC, and of course, perform in Carnegie Hall. Francis shared that after he graduates from the SDCC program, he takes with him a deeper love for music and more confidence in being able to express himself through singing. Francis will likely pursue music in college. For younger choristers, he advises them to make the most of the choir. Make new friends, go on tour, and treat it as a safe space to have fun.
Naomi Lopez-Shimizu: Naomi has enjoyed coming to choir rehearsals for over 11 years beginning with Preparatory Choir with Mrs. Orem. Over the years memories were made from speed walking backstage to stepping into the warm stage lights at the Copley Symphony Hall to her favorite memory of traveling on the Vienna tour. Even with a mountain of setbacks at the beginning of the Vienna trip, the choir always felt like a comforting family. The biggest piece of advice for all upcoming choristers is to enjoy things while they last and be kind to others. This fall, Naomi will be attending the Laguna College of Art and Design and majoring in drawing and painting.
Mako Takai: Mako has been with the San Diego Children's Choir for two and a half years. One of her favorite memories while in choir is the retreat she attended this school year. It was her first full retreat, and she enjoyed it so much. This fall, Mako will go back to Japan to enroll in the University. She will take the joy of singing and cooperation to her next adventure. To all people who like singing, just keep singing because you will meet such great people.
Solo Weinstein: Solo has been with the San Diego Children’s Choir for over 10 years. He shared, “My favorite memory from choir is sitting in the downstairs green room of Copley Hall during Noel Noel performances. The entire Noel Noel experience was extremely fun, of course, but there was something particularly special about trying to stay quiet as we joked around and talked with each other between songs. Of all things, we took to playing cat's cradle with loops of yarn. You would rarely see a phone out, even among the high schoolers, but you could always bet on those red blazer pockets being full of yarn.
Choir, more than anything else, has taught me how to be a member of a community. It is certainly the most close-knit group that I'm a part of, and I'm going to take that community feeling wherever I go.
To the younger choristers, reach out to each other! Do things outside of choir! That sense of community that I love so much will come with time -- you don't need to force it -- but that's not to say you can't help it along a little bit.”
Ayari Lopez: Ayari has been with the San Diego Children's Choir for 7 years. One of her favorite memories while in choir was singing Silent Night in Noel Noel in 2017, where she was truly introduced to the symphony for the first time and made great memories through her experiences. This fall, Ayari will be attending the University of Washington and plans to major in bioengineering.
Vishaala Wilkinson: Vishaala has been with the San Diego Children's Choir since 2019. Along with the comprehensive musical experience she has gained throughout her years in choir, she has made life-long friends and has shared unforgettable memories with her fellow choristers. One of her favorite memories was during the 2022 New Orleans’s Summer Tour when she and other choristers danced, sang, and ate dinner on the ferry. Vishaala’s one piece of advice for younger choristers is to be bold and confident during circle songs. No regrets! This fall, Vishaala will be studying Cognitive Science and Vocal Performance at the University of Southern California.
James Chen: (above, left) James has been with the San Diego Children's Choir since 2022. One of his favorite memories while in choir was the Vienna tour last summer. James looks forward to joining the U.S. Air Force after graduation.
Vincent Lu: (above, right) Vincent has been with the San Diego Children's Choir since 2021. One of Vincent's favorite memories while in choir was the New Orleans summer tour in 2022. This fall, Vincent will be attending Boston University.