Serena Chin- All Southern Honors Orchestra

Each year, the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) invites the best high school musicians in Southern California to participate in the All-Southern Honors Orchestra. This year, Symphony Orchestra violist Serena Chin was accepted into this prestigious orchestra after passing a selective audition. The experience was a rewarding and inspiring one.

Serena picked up the viola when she was in 4th grade and was drawn into orchestra because of its friendly community. Today, she is the viola section leader in Symphony Orchestra and participates in Crescendo Young Musicians Guild (CYMG) and Certificate of Merit (CM).  “I thought staying with the instrument and orchestra in general would allow me to meet and bond with a ton of other people,” said Serena.

This belief proved itself during Serena’s experience at the All-Southern Honor Orchestra. Meeting like-minded students and hearing about their journeys outside of music fostered a community of new friends.  

“The people I met there were so helpful, and I got to meet some of the staff who worked behind the scenes,” said Serena. “In particular, my stand partner was incredibly kind during the rehearsals, and he helped me understand the music to a greater extent.”

Most of all, Serena was struck by the conductor, James Noe, who is the Executive Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble. His passion and interpretation inspired her to perform with utmost effort.

“He characterized the highs and lows of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 to be similar to death and rebirth,” said Serena. “It was so interesting to see the different methods he would use in order to communicate his thoughts regarding the piece and how he wanted it to be shaped.”

For Serena, the experience was a “10/10 would do-it-again.” From the music (¡Bienvenido júbilo! by Ivetter Herryman Rodriguez and Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Mvt. 1 - Allegro maestoso by Gustav Mahler), to the people, to the food, it was a valuable experience for her that took everything learned in school and applied them to a broader context. 

“Because we only had 2 days to rehearse, it was a really good test of whether or not people have actually picked up skills such as listening to others, watching the conductor, understanding the piece, and being observant," said Serena.

Congratulations again to Serena who adds this invaluable experience to her growing list of musical accomplishments. For those interested, you can watch the 2025 SCSBOA All-Southern HS Symphony Orchestra Full Concert here.