Team — Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra

Orchestra Staff

Jonathan Chen - Orchestra Director

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.
Fred Canada - Viola Instructor

Fred is a violist from Southern California. He earned his BM from Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSULB and his MM at LSU School of Music. Passionate about contemporary music, he helped premier many pieces, such as Tucker Fuller’s The Book of Hours for mezzo-soprano and chamber orchestra and San Schults’ Prajna for solo viola. He also played with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and the New Resonance Orchestra. Fred has studied with Kimberly Sparr, Phillip Triggs, and Jason Bonham.
Fred has been teaching since 2018 and is just as passionate about teaching the younger generation as he is about performing. On the weekends, Fred likes to hike around Southern California and spend time with his dog.
Nancy Davis - Violin Instructor Volunteer

Nancy fell in love with playing the violin at age 7. With all the resources of the college town of Madison, Wisconsin, she was able to see and participate in the golden era of violin instruction. She got to study with Raphael Bronstein and with his teaching, managed to attend the Manhattan School of Music, earning a bachelors and masters degree in violin performance.
Nancy firmly believes that introducing music instruction is such a worthwhile endeavor that leads to a richer more rewarding life. While few will pursue it as a living, the discipline enables increased ability of tackling the obstacles life throws at us. It makes us aware of the beauty, and changes our focus off of ourselves and our problems. Consider the money spent on musical training will yield great increase of ability and attention of whatever is being attempted.
Sorah Myung - Viola Instructor

A violinist and a violist Sorah Myung has a diversified career as a soloist, chamber musician, collaborator and an educator. Ms. Sorah is currently a faculty member at Irvine Valley College, Vanguard University and Chamber Music OC Pre-College while she plays frequently with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and at the Pageant of the Masters.
As part of advocacy of the next generation, Ms. Sorah has been working for various music programs in the school districts in Orange County for over a decade. She is often invited to judge competitions such as ASTA, MTAC, Redlands Bowl, Hawaii State music competition and holds a string chair position at the Musical Arts Competition of Orange County (MACOC).
Ms. Sorah received her BM degree from Oberlin Conservatory of Music and MM degree from Yale University school of Music
Jasmin Cruz - Cello Instructor

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.
Brian Slack - Bass Instructor

Brian Slack is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree specializing in double bass performance at California State University, Long Beach. Here, he studies with Douglas Basye, assistant principal double bass of the Pacific Symphony. At the Bob Cole Conservatory, he serves as principal bass of the Symphony Orchestra. Originally, Brian is a native of the city of Diamond Bar.
Brian regularly performs with the American Youth Symphony and has performed with the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, Colorado during the 2023 summer festival season. His concert engagements have taken him to venues across the country, including the Lincoln Center in New York City and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
In addition to performing, Brian enjoys teaching in various public schools throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County.