COME TOGETHER
Juniors living the mission.
Gordon, High School Junior
I am a classically trained musician in both the piano and trumpet. Although it sounds very cliché, music has has truly allowed me to experience some of the best moments of my life and also helped me through some stressful times of my life. Since starting high school the workload and stress has increased by a ten-fold, and one of the only things keeping me sane is going to wind ensemble rehearsal every week at NEC. Playing music in an ensemble has allowed me to forget about all the work and pressure from school, and allowed me to actually connect with other people. I believe that live classical music is not just a luxury for only a select few individuals to experience, but it is a way for people from all ethnicities to truly connect with one another. That is why the VMA's mission statement resonated with me and inspired me with this idea that maybe my music can change somebody's life just like how music changed mine.
Emily, High School Senior (Gold PVSA, VMA Leader)
It always makes me sad to see music programs in schools across the country being shut down and classical music being less frequently listened to due to lack of funding, resources and attention being brought to the programs. I am overjoyed that I can be a part of a program that encourages and supports this music and wants to bring it to as many people as possible. Through this initiative, I am hoping to spread classical music throughout my community and other communities as well!
Nilay, High School Junior
I have been taking piano lessons since I was very young and have performed in various recitals and festivals. However, when I was asked whether I wanted to participate in a piano competition, I responded with, "I feel piano performance should be less competitive and more about sharing the joy of the music with others." This is why I would like to be part of the VMA. I enjoy opportunities to share music with others rather than trying to win a competition for myself.
Danny, High School Sophomore (Gold PVSA, VMA Leader)
I have taken piano lessons from the age of 5 and in past 4 years have been playing alto saxophone as part of my school orchestra. I plan to train myself in soprano saxophone as well. I love music and would like to share my love of music with others as well.
Andrew, High School Junior (Gold PVSA, VMA Leader)
Hi! I’m Andrew, a junior at Boston Latin School. I mainly play violin, and I used to also play piano and trombone. In my free time I like to also play tennis and code. My favorite classical composers are Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, and Mozart. I’m looking forward to spreading my passion for classical music with you all through Volunteer Musicians!
Student Government (*2027-2028 Elections: May 2026)
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Danny Pylee
JUNIOR PROGRAM PRESIDENT
Massachusetts
Medway High School
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David Tagge
JUNIOR PROGRAM VICE-PRESIDENT
Massachusetts
Boston
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Felix Wang
VMA SENATOR
Massachusetts
Sharon High School
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Ronnie Wang
VMA SENATOR
California
Los Angeles
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Ishaan Kancharla
VMA SENATOR
North Carolina
Raleigh
Impact starts with hello.
🌱 Your Journey Starts Here
You may be new to the VMA community — but here, no one starts alone. When you join the Junior Program, you can begin by volunteering solo at an outreach concert — or you can take the next step and form a school or town VMA club to grow impact together.
There are countless venues waiting for your care and creativity. Even a small outreach concert can open hearts — the ripple effect can be endless.
While solo volunteering is welcome, VMA strongly encourages students to build clubs and explore leadership roles. When elections open, you’ll have the chance to be fairly elected by fellow Junior Program members and serve in the Student Government.
Begin at your level. Grow as a leader.
Start a club. Serve your community. And when the time comes — step forward and lead.
This is where it starts.
Let’s build it together.