Mr. Chen is passionate about creating a second family for his students in the orchestra. He is driven to grow and improve the orchestra program every year. He cares deeply about his students and places a strong emphasis on building relationships and creating experiences that will last a lifetime.

Jonathan Chen is a cellist from the University of California, Irvine. He received his BA and Masters at UCI. He has taken his experience in growing a string orchestra program from the Rowland Unified School District to the Capistrano Unified School District. He enjoys exercise and spending time with family and friends.

Jasmin Cruz, a Bay Area native, is an emerging music educator with a tireless passion for igniting musical curiosity. Jasmin is pursuing a dual Bachelor's in Music at California State University, Long Beach, majoring in Instrumental Music Education and Strings Performance. She contributes her performing skills to the BCCM Symphony at CSULB while under the tutelage of Dr. David Garrett from the LA Philharmonic.

Jasmin's commitment to nurturing musical growth has taken root in her teaching endeavors. With years of experience teaching piano and cello in private settings, she has honed her ability to impart the gift of music to eager learners. After she graduates, her ultimate goal is to become a classroom music educator. In this pursuit, she has already gained valuable experience coaching cello and strings in various Southern California schools, starting in Fall 2022 and continuing with constant dedication.

Claire Remland: A Southern California native, Claire Remland is pursuing her Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education at the CSULB Bob Cole Conservatory of Music. Here, she studies with Douglas Basye, assistant principal double bass of the Pacific Symphony. As an instrumentalist, Claire is a bassist with experience in classical, jazz, and contemporary settings. Currently, at the Bob Cole Conservatory, Claire serves as the Wind Symphony bassist and a bass section member in the Symphony Orchestra. When not teaching or playing music, she enjoys spending time outdoors, at the beach or with her two dogs.

Mona Ghodsi is an educator, violinist, and string specialist who began playing violin at age nine. She holds a Single Subject Credential in Music, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a Post-Baccalaureate degree in Speech Therapy.
Mona believes students learn best when they enjoy making music while building a strong foundation. Her teaching focuses on proper posture and technique, rhythm, tone, note reading, and ear training. She believes there is no set timeline for learning the basics—building these skills step by step gives students the confidence to become lifelong musicians.

Mona has performed with Symphony Irvine, at UC Irvine, and at events throughout Orange County. Growing up playing Persian classical music gave her a strong musical foundation and an appreciation for exploring different styles.

She teaches from her studio in Irvine and enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and practicing karate.

Assistant Student Director

Co-President

Co-President

Co-Vice President

Co-Vice President

Equipment Manager

Concert Manager

Secretary & Librarian

Morale/Historian

President

Vice President

Publicity & Morale/Historian