A few of our 2026 National Council Candidates
VMA 2026 Student Leadership Candidate Profiles
Submit your National Council election nomination form by June 1st! Only candidates who meet all nomination requirements and are duly elected by their fellow Junior Program members are eligible to serve as National Council members.
National Vice President, Outreach & Impact Chair
Arjun Bhayani
School: Milton Academy
Location: Milton, Massachusetts
Grade Level: Rising Senior (Grade 12)
Candidate Statement
“I have enjoyed serving as Massachusetts State Senator and connecting with student musicians and serving with them in bringing music to assisted living facilities. I also enjoyed reaching out to other student led organizations that bring music to the community and trying to create spaces for collaboration.
As National Vice President, I’d focus on strengthening the ties between our various chapters nationally and encourage music students to start chapters in their school/neighborhood. I would like to work on expanding out outreach communities where live music would bring cheer - pediatric wards, assisted living, homeless shelters. With VMA, I also want to try out some new ways to use our music for fundraising - organize masterclasses with neighborhood children in VMA member homes or school venues, and perhaps branch out to online lessons.
My experience with Milton Salon Concerts gives me the know-how to reach out, spread the authentic message of doing good with music and organizing events - venues, gathering performers and volunteers and advertising the event to fundraise. I want to bring that vision to VMA.”
Outreach & Leadership Involvement
Served as Massachusetts State Senator for one year
Participated in one concert at Maplewood Assisted Living Home
Reached out to DoReMi regarding collaboration opportunities
Have you met the fundraising threshold for the position? ($200)
I am currently working toward it.
Candidate:
“As National Vice President, I’d focus on strengthening the ties between our various chapters nationally and encourage music students to start chapters in their school/neighborhood.”
— Arjun Bhayani
National Treasurer, Fundraising & Promotion Chair
Ishaan Kancharla
School: Research Triangle High School
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Grade Level: Rising Sophomore (Grade 10)
Candidate Statement
“Greetings, VMA! My name is Ishaan Kancharla, and I currently serve as the North Carolina State Senator of VMA. I am applying to serve as your National Secretary, and combined with my experience in executive leadership and passion for the future of this organization, I truly believe I am the best candidate for this role. Not only have I served as a Board Member in numerous reputed organizations (VMA, NSSA, FBLA, TEDx, NHSEB, and HumSub), but I’ve also played an integral role in the foundation of the activities held by VMA, including our fundraising program, which raised over $11,500, and our club development program, which is focused on recruiting more students across the nation to take up leadership roles and spread the love of music with our defined plan of action. Apart from my leadership experience, I also previously served as the 1st Chair Flutist in the NCBA All-State Band, and I love to perform in senior care facilities whenever possible. My experience and passion for our community and music inside and outside of VMA are exactly what I’m bringing to the table as a candidate for this role, so I urge you to vote for me to make a change for you!”
Outreach & Leadership Involvement
“I have played an important role in the foundation of this organization, having planned the fundraising program, performed in North Carolina’s senior care facilities while expanding this organization’s reach to NC, and worked on the development of new chapters to expand VMA’s presence across the country.”
Have you met the fundraising threshold for the position? ($150)
I am currently working toward it.
Candidate:
Apart from my leadership experience, I also previously served as the 1st Chair Flutist in the NCBA All-State Band, and I love to perform in senior care facilities whenever possible.
— Ishaan Kancharla
National Secretary, Growth & Recruitment Chair
Ruslan Ivanov
School: Cushing Academy
Location: Ashburnham, Massachusetts
Grade Level: Rising Sophomore (Grade 10)
Candidate Statement
“I am running for National Recruitment Chair because I want to help VMA grow in a way that is organized, welcoming, and sustainable. At Cushing Academy, I took the initiative to help establish a VMA club, work through the school approval process, and begin building a team of student musicians committed to outreach and service. In this role, I would help chapters grow by sharing effective recruitment ideas, supporting new club leaders, and connecting students across schools so more young musicians can serve their communities through VMA.”
Outreach & Leadership Involvement
Candidate indicated no prior VMA outreach concert or service activity participation.
Have you met the fundraising threshold for the position? ($150)
Yes.
Candidate:
“I am running for National Recruitment Chair because I want to help VMA grow in a way that is organized, welcoming, and sustainable.”
— Ruslan Ivanov
When you join the Junior Program, you may come from our Boston base or from a city and state hundreds — if not thousands — of miles away. Becoming a club leader, even if you are just starting out on your own, creates meaningful engagement with your community and fellow VMA leaders across the country. Start a club, get involved in outreach and fundraising, and turn your Officer Candidate status into Officer status over the course of the year.
