Senior Spotlight!

Jade Abbett


Ensemble(s): Symphonic Band, College Park Symphony Orchestra

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I play the trumpet, and I chose this instrument because it’s always interested me and my dad used to play it as well. 


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

The overall environment and energy of band is so much fun. Everyone is there to play music and have fun as a group. 


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

I really enjoyed the Disneyland trip, especially since I’d never been. I also love pep rallies. 


What are your plans after High School? 

My plans after high school is go to to DVC then transfer to Berkeley to study microbiology  


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Keep at it! Its tough, but if you really enjoy it then things will start to come easier. I only started my freshman year, and in 4 years my musicianship has come so far. 

Moises Acevedo

(@Moises_acev)


Ensemble(s): String Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, College Park Symphony Orchestra

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I play the violin and i chose it in 4th grade, I just really liked it and continue because it makes me happy. "


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

The people, always having kids around me that play and enjoying playing makes the experience so much better! 


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

My favorite memory would be the Disneyland trip, I got to travel with my ensemble and enjoy bonding time with them. 


What are your plans after High School? 

I will be attending Saint Mary’s college and major in computer science


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Just never stop playing, you won’t regret it! 


Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I’d like to thank Mr J for everything he has done for the program and students. He really made something special and I’m glad to have had him! 

Reese Bingham

( @reesesxxpieces)

Ensemble(s):  String Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, College Park Symphony Orchestra, Spring Musical Show Band

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it?

Violin and Viola. I started playing violin because most people in my family play, but I love the deeper sound of violas much more than violin. I play viola as of the beginning of senior year, but have been playing violin since 5th grade when I was 10.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park?

I love the concerts and performing. We always put on a great show and it’s really fun to perform with my friends.


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

The Disney trip in 2022 was my favorite memory because I got a lot closer to my orchestra friends and met a lot of people from other bands.


What are your plans after High School?

After high school I plan to go to DVC and then transfer to a UC.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians?

Keep playing! Music is so rewarding mentally and academically. I’ve met so many amazing people and had great experiences because of orchestra. Also, you should love playing your instrument, if you don’t love it it’s not the right instrument for you!

Miles Chow

( @mi.les0622)

Ensemble(s): Wind Ensemble, Spring Musical Show Band

Years in CPIM: 2 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I play percussion in the band, mostly the drumset. I chose it because percussionists don’t have to carry anything. Unless we’re at the football games.  I started playing drums 9 months ago.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

Playing in the football games is the best part because I get to scream really loud and nobody cares.


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

I really loved gossiping in the percussion room.


What are your plans after High School? 

I’m going to take names and kick butt in my rock band. And attend DVC.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Joining band will brand you as a “band kid”. It’s up to you to make it a mark of shame or a badge of honor.

Keila Cooke

(@keila.cooke)

Ensemble(s): Wind Ensemble

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

French Horn, because my middle school band needed French Horns. I started Piano at 7, trumpet when I was 10, and French Horn when I was 13.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

My favorite thing about instrumental Music is the people, and hanging out with my friends.


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

My favorite memory is the trip to Disneyland last year.


What are your plans after High School? 

Next year I am going to UC Berkeley to study Math.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Have fun with the music and enjoy the little moments!

Caiden Dye

(@caidenwd)

Ensemble(s): Wind Ensemble, CPSO

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I play the Bass Clarinet because my 7th grade teacher told me to switch from clarinet. I never looked back and really enjoyed learning and being a part of the low voice section.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

My favorite thing about Instrumental Music is being able to have a place in the middle of the day to see my friends and make music with them.


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

My favorite memories are from the LA trip my Junior year. I really enjoyed everything about it. I made friends on that trip that I never expected to make.


What are your plans after High School? 

After High School I will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to study Environmental Earth and Soil Science.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Sticking with band was the best choice ever. You’ll improve if you put the work in, it’s worth it.

 Iliana Filippini 

(@ilifilipanapini)

Ensemble(s): Jazz Ensemble

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I play the alto sax. I chose this instrument in 5th grade when I went to my sister’s high school jazz band performance and saw an amazing sax solo that convinced me to pick up the instrument.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

My favorite thing about instrumental music at college park is the great people that I have met over the years through this program.


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

My favorite memory from band was going to the Santa Cruz jazz festival my junior year and hanging out with my friends on the boardwalk.


What are your plans after High School? 

After high school I plan to go to csu monterey bay to study marine sciences. I hope I will have an opportunity to continue playing music there.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Some advice I would like to pass down for younger musicians is to use music as a way to express yourself and have fun.

Luke Jenny

( @lukas_jennith)

Ensemble(s): Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I’m a trombonist all the way. Trombones are one of gods gifts to humanity, so of course I had to utilize that opportunity at the ripe age of  12.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

The best part about college park instrumental music was the friends we made along the way. 


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

The Disneyland trip was my favorite experience throughout my four years of band. I had so much fun nearly the entire trip and became very close friends with people I had never talked to before. Highly recommended. 


What are your plans after High School? 

I’m going to UC Santa Cruz with a major in psychology.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Everything is about perception. Keep a positive perception on your own skills, and you will play better than if you think negatively about yourself.

Kit Johnson


Ensemble(s): Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, College Park Symphony Orchestra, Spring Musical Show Band

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I picked clarinet on a whim after loving Miss Tharalsen’s 6th grade music appreciation rotation class at VVMS! I knew I had to take another music class with her, and I’m SO glad I did!


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

My favorite thing about playing in groups here at CP are those “Magical Musical Moments” where you can really feel and understand the music you’re playing and the connections you have with your fellow musicians!


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

The 2022 SoCal trip lived up to the hype! We played one of the best concerts I’ve been in at CPHS, and had a blast at Disney.


What are your plans after High School? 

I will be attending Western Washington University to study to become a music teacher. I want to teach in middle or high school because of how wonderful those experiences have been for me.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Keep playing music! It never gets boring. In fact, it only gets more and more fun!

Makenna Marsden

Ensemble(s): Wind Ensemble

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I started playing clarinet in 5th grade. I chose it because… and this is my deep dark secret… I wanted to be in orchestra. Knowing nothing about band and orchestra, I thought that clarinet was an orchestra instrument.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

 I love all the people in band. I knew a few people going into band, but I have also made so many more friends because of band. Everyone is so friendly and nice, and I have met so many cool people that have become very good friends.


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

 I have many fun memories from band, but I always loved going to the football games and playing in pep band. I don’t really understand football, but playing, pretending to know what was going on, and pokemon cards made each night a lot of fun.


What are your plans after High School? 

I will attend BYU-Idaho in the fall and study nursing.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Don’t give up on instrumental music if you don’t enjoy one year. I liked band when I was younger, but I had a hard time with it in middle school and the beginning of high school. I liked it enough to stick with it, but I didn’t love it and really appreciate the music until my junior year. It takes a lot of time and patience with yourself, so don’t stop just because one year isn’t as fun.

Sasha Meline

(@sasha_sends)

Ensemble(s): Wind Ensemble

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I play the alto sax and I chose it because it was the only instrument I really knew existed and everyone who I told about it said it was cool (they were right). I started playing in 4th grade.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

 I love all the people in band. I knew a few people going into band, but I have also made so many more friends because of band. Everyone is so friendly and nice, and I have met so many cool people that have become very good friends.


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

My favorite memory would have to be sax sectionals in junior and senior year, and the SoCal trip last year.


What are your plans after High School? 

I will be attending UC Davis this upcoming fall for Neurobiology and Behavior.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

"Fear is temporary, regret is forever." Never hold yourself back from doing or trying something because you're afraid of failure. Nothing hurts worse than wondering what could have happened if you had just tried. And have fun!

Joshua Palu

(@7th_Blessing)

Ensemble(s): Wind Ensemble

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

Tuba 14, because Dr. Mundy Viar told me my potential was great with the Tuba since I was a very loud trumpet. I also wanted to play bigger instruments to grow my muscles.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

The love and passion for music Mr. J has.


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

Going to Disneyland and recording our music like professionals.


What are your plans after High School? 

I'm DVC committed, but will continue giving lessons to students and continue leading the youth choir at the Free Church of Tonga Pittsburgh😀 🙌 


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Make practice a habit not a chore!


Anything else you'd like to add

My Dad is my greatest musical inspiration. He's proficient at every brass instrument, has perfect pitch, has traveled the world with the greatest brass band in the world (The Royal Tongan Marine Brass Band), but beyond that he put his talents aside to take care of my family. He humbles himself by helping local and far choirs and even as a minister he leads my churches music program single-handedly. Falelotu Palu is my greatest inspiration as a musician and as a God fearing man.

 Timmy Parker

(@biggie_ccheese)

Ensemble(s): Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, College Park Symphony Orchestra, Spring Musical Show Band, Benicia community jazz band, and east bay jazzinators youth jazz band

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

Alto Saxophone (among other saxes and clarinet). I chose it because because of my interest in playing a woodwind instrument. My brother inspired me after he picked up sax. I started playing around age 10.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

Instrumental music at college park has so much to offer, with friends, and a great musical experience in the form of challenging parts and fun trips.


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

Going on our Disneyland trip for wind ensemble, and the various jazz festivals that jazz ensemble attended.


What are your plans after High School? 

I plan on attending CSU Long Beach as a jazz performance major. Hopefully I will get to play in the studio jazz band that they have.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Don't be afraid to push yourself into uncomfortable territory. You don't know where it will take you. Seeing other musicians that are better than you is humbling. It's like they say, iron sharpens iron. ALSO MAKE SURE TO PRACTICE.


Anything else you'd like to add

I believe that jazz is pretty neat.

Ivan Richards

(@ivan.richards.3158)


Ensemble(s): String Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, CPSO

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I have been playing the viola for 8 years, and the violin for 1 year. I chose to play the viola because a lot of other students were picking violin and I wanted to do something different. I have fallen in love with the warm dark chocolate tone of the viola, and I think it is an absolutely gorgeous and powerful instrument.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

My favorite thing about CPHS' music program is the community atmosphere that is built within ensembles. Every day I know that a wonderful group of inviting people are going to be in my music class, and it is a safe space for growth and positivity that would not be possible without Mr. J's glowing influence. I treasure the friendships that I have made in M-1, and I am incredibly grateful to have met a variety of people across my years in String/Chamber Orchestra.


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

My favorite memory from my time in orchestra was the Candelight Concert in 2021. I performed a sonata in the super echo-ey church, so it sounded awesome! I also really loved that piece (Arpeggione Sonata by Schubert), and it was something that I had always looked forward to performing.


What are your plans after High School? 

I plan to attend CSU Northridge to major in Music Performance on Viola in pursuit of a BM in Music, hopefully to pursue a career in symphonic playing, teaching, gigs, and recording music.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Succeeding in music does not mean being the best at your craft. Succeeding in music means that you are dedicated to listening to advice and guidance with the goal to grow and improve. It does not matter what your skill level is as long as you are willing to try.

Kaleigh Thurman


Ensemble(s): String Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, CPSO, Musical Show Band

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

Violin, I chose it in 5th grade when they offered music classes. I chose to play the violin because when I was younger I thought it sounded like angels.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

 My favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park is the passion. Everyone is passionate about music and you can expect to come into Orchestra everyday and see Mr. Jimenez with a beaming smile on his face.


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

 I have so many great memories of CP music but my favorite was probably going to Disneyland and getting to ride Tower of Terror with my friends!


What are your plans after High School? 

 I plan on majoring in music education at Cal State East Bay and transferring to Cal Poly Humboldt to finish my undergraduate degree.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Confidence is key! You're all amazing musicians and I'm excited to see you grow musically and as people.


Anything else you’d like to add? 

I'm so incredibly happy that I got to be apart of this program and meet so many wonderful people, and I'm grateful that I got to learn so much from someone so knowledge and kind as Mr. J.

Taylor Valentine

(@taylor____v)


Ensemble(s): Wind Ensemble

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I play Bari Sax. I chose this instrument because I love the way it sounds and my dad played before me! It’s pretty cool to follow in his footsteps and make my family proud.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

My favorite part is making friends. I got the chance to talk to people I never thought I would. The friends I’ve made through this class I will never forget. 


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

There are too many good memories to count but if I had to choose a few it would have to be Disneyland. The bus ride was always entertaining and walking around the park seeing everyone was awesome! I also loved playing for Seussical. Even though the MU was scorching hot, I had a blast.


What are your plans after High School? 

After High School I plan on going to DVC then transferring to a 4 year university. 


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Stick with band! Practice enough so that music stays fun. Never let it feel like a chore. Play bari sax ofc it’s the best instrument! 


Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you to all the people that made my instrumental music experience worth it! Thank you Mr. J for always keeping band fun and making me feel like I can peruse anything musically I put my mind to. I’ve improved so much with his support as well as the support from my classmates. I will miss you CP Instrumental!

Cailin Wilson

(@its_cailin)

Ensemble(s): Wind Ensemble

Years in CPIM: 4 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I play flute and I’ve been playing since fourth grade. When I was younger I was always inclined to play music and had a flute available to play, so that’s what I chose. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with music and am so happy I chose flute- I can’t see myself playing anything else as my main instrument.


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

My favorite thing is the positive energy and great people you’re surrounded by at College Park. The music program has always been a fun, safe space for me and I’ve always loved it..


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

My favorite thing is the positive energy and great people you’re surrounded by at College Park. The music program has always been a fun, safe space for me and I’ve always loved it.


What are your plans after High School? 

 I plan on going to Chico State to major in statistics.


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

Stick with music, challenge yourself with your music, and surround yourself with people who make you happy.

Katherine Xu

Ensemble(s): Symphonic Band

Years in CPIM: 3 years

What instrument do you play and why did you choose it? 

I’ve been playing the flute ever since I was 10 in elementary school. I chose the flute since I thought it sounded quite beautiful, light, and whimsical, and I don’t regret it!


What is your favorite thing about Instrumental Music at College Park? 

I love how all bands in CPHS are each a close-knit community. We all know each other well and there's always something going on in the music room!


What is your favorite memory from your time in the band or orchestra?

During the start of the year whenever we played for the football team, we all had a tradition where one of the students would always bring a pack of Pokémon cards to open and shout out which Pokémon they got, and we all get hyped over it! It was always something to look forward to every time we played out on the bleachers and I hope it continues.


What are your plans after High School? 

I hope to go to college and earn a degree where I can become a game developer, designer, or anything related to games!


Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass down to younger musicians? 

You can play anything you set your mind to, and know that we're always here for you.  :)


Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I recommend (if you have the time) to clean your instrument often! Trust me, it makes ALL the difference in your sound quality.