Program Leads

Sophie Gao ​(Founder)

Sophie Gao, from Tucson, Arizona, is a Junior at University High School. She started learning piano at the age of four, and is currently taking lessons with Dr. Ji-Young Kim after her long-time piano teacher, Dr. Svetlana Arakelova at the Rachmaninoff Music Academy of Tucson, moved away. Sophie also enjoys playing violin and is on her school’s girls tennis team. Sophie has won several prizes at piano competitions, including  2nd prizes at the Spring 2020 and 2023 seasons of American Protégé International Talent Competition, 3rd Prize at the 2022 International BTHVN WIEN Competition, 3rd Prize at the 2022 Piano Star International Competition, Silver Prize at the 2022 Amadeus International Music Awards, 2nd Prize at the Clara Schumann International Competition (2021, 2022),  2nd Prize at the Charleston International Music Competition,  a 3rd prize at the 35th Annual Civic Orchestra of Tucson Young Artists’ Competition in 2019, and Distinguished Medalist (1st place, 2018) at the James R. Anthony Honors Competition. Besides being a pianist, Sophie has been taking violin lessons since age 7 with Mrs. Wynne Rife and she is a violinist in the Tucson Philhamonia Youth Orchestra.  Sophie has been actively participating in and organizing music concerts at several local senior communities for a few years now and hopes to spread joy of music to her community.

Melissa Zhang ​(Founder)

Nuoyan (Melissa) is a Junior at Catalina Foothills High School in Arizona. She started playing the piano at age five and currently studies with Dr. Ji-Sun Lee. She enjoys Classical and Contemporary music and is passionate about Classical music, as it plays a significant role in her life. She first got into music because of a toy keyboard with only a few keys, slowly, she fell in love with the actual piano itself. She started playing (the) Pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument, at age 10 and has slowly become very passionate about it as well. Not only does the Pipa bring her joy to create music with it, but she also enjoys sharing her culture. She has also started Marching Band under Renee Shane-Boyd and her drumline teacher Dr. Tina Walton. She plays the marimba and has found the experience very fun and exciting. Nuoyan strongly believes that all music is powerful, and music can be life-changing in many ways. She would love for her music and passion to spread throughout many different communities, including seniors and young children. 

Rita Cai (Founding Member)

Rita Cai is a 7th Grader at Basis Tucson North. Rita exudes an unwavering passion for Chinese culture, which has deeply influenced her artistic odyssey. Under the guidance of the esteemed virtuoso, Jing Xia, Rita embarked on a musical journey with the Gu Zheng, an ancient instrument revered as the epitome of "the Most Beautiful Sound of the East." Immersing herself in the enchanting melodies of elaborate Asian tunes or skillfully interpreting striking Western compositions on this Eastern instrument, Rita finds both solace and inspiration. Through her mastery of the Gu Zheng, Rita discovers a profound means of expressing her emotions while simultaneously unlocking new realms of personal and worldly understanding. 
Whether infusing her ears with the intricate melodies of Asian compositions or effortlessly bridging Western compositions with the revered Eastern instrument, Rita finds solace and freedom in expressing her emotions through the Gu Zheng. Beyond mere musical expression, this remarkable instrument has granted Rita unparalleled insights, unlocking new dimensions of understanding within herself and the world.

Members

Emma Zhu

Emma is a Junior  at University High School in Tucson, Arizona. Emma loves writing computer programs, traveling, cooking, and playing video games. She takes care of 2 goldfish and has an aquarium too. Emma started playing the violin at the age of 6 and is taking lessons with Mrs. Wynne Rife. She likes playing violin in orchestras. Emma also plays (the) Pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument. 

Grace Cai

Grace Cai is a 6th grader at Basis Tucson North. She started playing the piano at 6 years old. Watching cartoons and playing video games are two hobbies of Grace's. She also enjoys playing tennis.

Jeffrey Cai

Jeffery is a Freshman at University High School Tucson, Arizona. He likes to spend time with his friends and has been playing soccer since he was 5.  Jeffrey started playing the guitar when he was 11.

Lydia Song

Lydia Song, sophomore at University High School, started learning piano when she still lived in China because her mother took her to a teacher recommended by a family friend, and ever since then, she's developed a passion and love for piano. She is currently studying with Astrid Chan. Lydia also plays the alto saxophone and is in the school band. She is also on the RUHS Swim and Track teams and participates in Science Olympiad and Mock Trial. Lydia is interested in computer science and biotechnology. 

Gracie Im-Pyun

Gracie Im-Pyun is a sophormore at University High School. She has been doing piano since she was 7 and she has been singing for 3 years. She's also done musical theater all her life and she loves performing! 

Lani Fernando

Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Lani Fernando is a skilled pianist, writer, artist, seamstress, and dancer. Currently, she is a sophomore at University High School and a six-year student of Kim Hayashi. Lani has won several scholarships in those six years, as well as multiple awards as part of the Arizona Study Program, in which she is level 10. Lani has long since been a fan of musical theater and loves playing scores from Moulin Rouge, Phantom of the Opera, and more. While she is new to the scene of playing piano in public, she looks forward to connecting with others through a shared love of music and the arts. 

Aaron Li

Aaron is a current fifth grader in Basis Oro Valley. He started playing piano at the age of six and violin at nine, plus a seven month professional study in flute. He believes true music can bridge the hearts and souls of total strangers. Aaron is also a gifted artist, born vocalist and enthusiastic tennis and chess player. More importantly, he is a warm-hearted helper at school, and devoted community service volunteer through music and chess. 

Ethan Li

Ethan is a current fifth grader in Basis Oro Valley. He started playing piano at the age of six, and successfully completed a one year intensive study in guitar. He enjoys playing piano duo with his dad and guitar/violin duo with his brother Aaron. In addition to music, Ethan is a creative Lego builder and talented tennis and chess player. He has demonstrated strong sportsmanship in all the games/tournaments and great potential to be a charismatic leader.  

Jaden Li

Jaden is a current second grader in Basis Oro Valley. He started playing piano at the age of five and cello at six. He is also interested in exploring other musical instruments like drum, harmonica, recorder and ukulele. Besides, He is passionate about playing chess, tennis, ping pong and golf. 

George Li

George Li is a junior at BASIS Oro Valley high school. He started playing saxophone in 5th grade for his school band. Since then he’s played in 1st chair for both his school band and a local pep band. He won 2nd place in the Arizona Musicfest Winds, Brass, and Percussion section (2022) and was selected as 2nd chair for the U of A High School Honor Band (2023).​

Jayden Yao

Jayden Yao, a current 8th grader at Basis Tucson North, has been rocking the music world for as long as he can remember. He kicked off his musical adventure with the piano, diving into lessons and mastering the keys while he was just a kid. In elementary school, he grabbed a cello and found out how much fun playing with the school orchestra could be. Lately, he's been exploring the brass side of things, totally falling for the rich sounds of the French horn. For Jayden, the best part is all about sharing his tunes, making a connection with his listeners, and bringing happiness to people.

Brian Nguyen

Brian Nguyen is a sophomore at University High School, and is currently studying under Paul Lorenz. He is currently Level 10 in Arizona Study Program, and participates in TMTA’s annual piano ensemble. When not playing piano, he enjoys a variety of literature from mysteries to drama. 

Elise Yin

Elise is a current 8th grader at BASIS Tucson North. With a natural rhythm and an ear for harmony, Elise’s musical adventure started with piano when she was 5 years old.  At age 8, she discovered the magical world of violin.  She was a member of the advanced orchestra at her elementary school and continues in BASIS advance strings program.  She also plays Saxophone in BASIS band. In addition to her musical prowess, Elise loves playing volleyball and chess.

Ryan Zhu

Ryan Zhu is a 3rd grader at Basis Tucson Primary. He started playing cello at 7 years old. He enjoys reading and playing video games, also likes soccer.

Meddy Quan

Meddy Quan was born in Michigan and began her piano study at the age of five. She started learning from Pianist Christopher Harding at the age of seven. She currently studies piano with Dr. Svetlana Arakelova since 2019 after moving to Arizona. She enjoys her playing very much. Meddy won the 1 st place in TMTA Merit Scholarship Auditions 2022 and 2023, 1st prize in Charleston international competition 2023，3rd prize in Advanced category of Rocky mountain keyboard competition 2021, and 3rd place of American Protégé international piano and strings competition 2021.

Audrey He

Audrey He is a current 8th grader at Basis Tucson North. Loving and learning piano since first grade. She is currently studying piano with Dr. Svetlana Arakelova. Audrey’s music passion started growing as she joined band in BASIS Tucson North and also plays the clarinet and is continuing her music passion.

Sarah Lu

Sarah Lu, from Tucson, Arizona, is a sophomore at University High School. Her musical journey began at age five, and currently she is studying under Dr. Svetlana Arakelova at the Rachmaninoff Music Academy of Tucson. She has won 3rd prize and Exemplary Piece at the Tucson Music Teacher’s Association 2023 Merit Scholarship Competition. In addition, she participated in the TMTA Piano Ensemble for many years, playing works from Beethoven, Khachaturian, Mozart, just to mention a few. Besides playing piano, Sarah plays flute and piccolo in the Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra, as well as actively participating in her high school symphonic band and marching band.