Angel JI & Joshua Yuan, cello
Karen Zhang, piano
Angel JI was introduced to the cello in grade 5 but did not start playing until grade 6. While at her middle school: John G. Althouse, Angel actively participated in school orchestras and was Principle cellist for both the Chamber Orchestra and Honor Orchestra for 2 years consecutively. At the end of November, 2007, Angel began taking private lessons with Mr. James Xia. Under the excellent tutoring of Mr. Xia, in the years 2007, 2008 Angel held the position of Principle Cellist in All City Orchestra, an orchestra with students all over the city. When graduating from John G, Angel received the Bernie Reuben award for Outstanding Strings Musician. After graduating from John G, Angel provides leadership in helping with the music camp by tutoring the new cellists every year. Currently a grade 10 student at Martingrove Collegiate Institute, Angel is also the principle cellist in Junior Orchestra and the Assistant Principle in Chamber Orchestra. Every Tuesday, Angel would also tutor 2 students. Angel is also very active in orchestras outside of school. Since 2007, Angel would attend a 2 and a half hour rehearsal every Friday for Mr. Tam’s Overseas Chinese Youth Symphony Orchestra. Every Sunday, she would also attend Mr. Liang’s orchestra and is a part of Chinese Artists Society of Toronto.
Joshua Yuan, born in 1998, has been studying with James Xia for almost three years. He has obtained great achievement in his cello technique and musicality. In the community, he is an active member of CCC Youth Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He is the principle cellist at Claude Watson School for the arts, and has been invited to performances as a soloist and accompanist in several showcases. His music talent in piano, cello, and oboe has led him to become an active performer both in string orchestra and band. In his earlier years, he has won first prize in Kiwanis Festivals in the piano concerto category as well as other numerous prizes. Joshua has completed grade 10 RCM for piano, and grade 8 for cello.
Karen Zhang started piano private lessons at five. Under the instruction of teacher James Xia, Karen became fascinated in piano and progresses very quickly. At 13, she passed RCM Grade 8 piano with first class honours with distinction. At 15, she passed RCM Grade 10 piano with first class honours. In 2009, Karen won the 1st place prize (Bach group) in GTA musical festival. In her UTS school, she is also very active in band and chamber orchestra. Karen also enjoys providing musical accompaniment for other string instruments, which gave her different experience in the art of piano. Karen strives to be a piano teacher in the near future and currently practicing lectures to her younger brother.
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