Meet Yanlin: A High School Junior with a Vision for Leadership

Great leaders don’t simply wait for opportunities—they take the initiative to bring people together through service.

We are delighted to welcome Yanlin, a high school junior and pianist at Concord Academy in Massachusetts, to the VMA Foundation’s Junior Program!

Yanlin is more than an accomplished young musician. He is an aspiring leader who wants to share his love of music and bring it to more people. With ten years of choral experience, ABRSM Grade 7 piano, and classical vocal training, he has enjoyed performing for communities since childhood.

One of the most exciting aspects of Yanlin’s story is that he is already putting leadership into practice. As Co-Head of a music club at Concord Academy, he has experience working collaboratively, bringing students together around a shared passion, and helping foster a community through music. Beyond school, Yanlin also volunteers in his community, leading singing activities with children.

Now, Yanlin hopes to build on that experience through Volunteer Musicians for the Arts. He is running for Club Committee Member because he wants to turn his passion for music into opportunities for others. As he explains in his statement of interest:

“Through Volunteer Musicians, I hope to help organize community performances, encourage more students to volunteer, and create opportunities for people of all ages to connect through music.”

Yanlin’s vision reflects the spirit of the VMA Foundation: music is not simply something we practice or perform; it is something we can share in service to our communities. His experience as a student club leader, combined with his community volunteering, demonstrates how young musicians can use their talents and initiative to make a meaningful difference.

Through the VMA Junior Program, students can explore what it means to lead through service—organizing outreach concerts, encouraging fellow musicians to volunteer, supporting charitable causes, and finding new ways to bring music to people of all ages.

Leadership doesn’t have to wait until college or adulthood. Even in high school, students can begin building the skills, relationships, and sense of responsibility that will help them serve their communities for years to come.

We look forward to supporting Yanlin as he develops his leadership potential and brings his vision for community music-making to life. Young people like Yanlin remind us that the future of music is not only in the hands of talented performers, but also in the hands of those willing to share their gifts with others.

Welcome to the VMA family, Yanlin! We can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish.

Give back. Play forward.