2025–2026 National Leadership Fellowship — Transitional State Senators
This year’s appointed members of the National Leadership Fellowship will serve as transitional State Senators — the Fellowship will be phased into the official VMA Student Government after the 2026–2027 elections.
Two outstanding students from every state will be selected as VMA National Leadership Fellows and will serve as Junior Program Senators. Each Fellow will receive a full scholarship to the Gold Level Leadership Initiative.
As Senators, they’ll lead from the front—representing their state, collaborating with the national Board, and championing classical music as a powerful force for service and connection across the country.
Help Us Build a Nation of Service Through Classical Music.
Will you answer the call?
Lead your state.
The VMA National Leadership Fellowship is a transformative opportunity for young musicians to lead as State Senators, representing their state’s voice, collaborating with the national Board, and inspiring classically trained students to serve through music. Fellows also take an active role in fundraising for VMA, powering programs like Sweet Sounds of Service that help kids perform free classical concerts in senior centers, libraries, and community spaces nationwide—bringing music and compassion to communities across America.
Any student—elementary through high school—can join the Junior Program for free, start a school club, proudly call themselves a VMA member, and bring music into their community.
But our Fellows go further.
Fellows are chosen not only for their musicianship, but for their leadership: their ability to connect with peers, mentor others, and help grow a movement to make orchestra seats available to everyone.
High school Fellows also participate in virtual leadership workshops led by VMA faculty and guest speakers from the worlds of music, service, and civic leadership.
Will you help build something bigger than yourself?
Student Government (*2027-2028 Elections: May 2026)
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Danny Pylee
PRESIDENT
Massachusetts
Medway High School
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David Tagge
VICE-PRESIDENT
Massachusetts
Boston
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Felix Wang
STATE SENATOR
Massachusetts
Sharon High School
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Ronnie Wang
STATE SENATOR
California
Los Angeles
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Ishaan Kancharla
STATE SENATOR
North Carolina
Raleigh
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Arjun Bhayani
STATE SENATOR
Massachusetts
Milton Academy
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Ruslan Ivanov
DEPUTY STATE SENATOR
Massachusetts
Cushing Academy