Welcome to a new season of music, connection, and creativity!

Audition Highlights Across Branches

Below are snapshots from our auditions at the Orange County branch, where students brought their best and filled the halls with music and energy. Auditions also took place across our Inland Empire, Conejo Valley, and Los Angeles branches. We’re so proud of every student who participated. The LA Coast branch audition will be held this weekend.

Orientation will be on September 13, where students will receive more details about the program, meet their director(s), and begin their chamber music journey.

Congratulations to all who’ve been placed into groups! Chamber music is more than just collaboration, it’s a powerful way to build trust, listen deeply, and grow together as musicians.

Sneak Peek: JCM 2025-26 T-Shirt

This year’s JCM student t-shirt is here and will be handed out at orientation. We’re loving the design. Can’t wait to see everyone rocking it!

Student Spotlight: Violinist KJ McDonald

We’re proud to celebrate the remarkable journey of violinist KJ McDonald, a former first violinist of the Clemens Quartet at JCM. During his time with us, KJ received coaching from Mr. Gamma, competed at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and appeared on From The Top, early milestones that sparked a deep love for chamber music.

KJ went on to earn both his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Juilliard, studying under Itzhak Perlman and Catherine Cho, and is currently continuing his musical training at the New England Conservatory with Donald Weilerstein. He now performs with Trio Eris, who recently won the Silver Medal in the Senior Division of the 2025 Fischoff Competition. Trio Eris is also attending the Olympic Music Festival and preparing for an exciting performance with Ray Chen. We’re thrilled to see KJ’s artistry flourish and honored to have played a role in his musical foundation.

From KJ’s mom, Kyoko McDonald:

“I am deeply grateful to JCM for the solid musical foundation it provided KJ. His experiences there inspired him to pursue chamber music, which he continues to cherish and develop today.”

Congratulations, KJ! We’re cheering you on every step of the way.

Upcoming Events

Chamber Music Competition:

One of the largest chamber music competitions on the West Coast, this competition has 3 rounds, and ends in a Final Concert. 

Preliminary Round: February 26: YouTube submission

Semi-Final & Final Rounds: March 7 at Cerritos College Recital Hall in Norwalk

Grand Prize: Mar 22 performance for The Da Camera Society

Prizes: 

$1200/$1000 1st Prize

$600/$500 2nd Prize

$300/$250 3rd Prize

Concerto Competition:

February 28 at Irvine Valley College. Winners will perform with the Orchestra Collective of OC (OC of OC) at Daniel Recital Hall, CSULB.

Meet Your Branch Directors

JCM Branch Directors & Contact Info:

• Orange County:

  Dr. Minji Noh — minji@juniorchambermusic.org

• Conejo Valley & LA Coast:

  Dr. Jacqueline Petitto — jackie@juniorchambermusic.org

• Inland Empire:

  Dr. Kookhee Hong — kookhee@juniorchambermusic.org

  Dr. Wen-Ting Huang — wenting@juniorchambermusic.org

• Los Angeles:

  Connie Kim-Sheng — connie@juniorchambermusic.org

  Ben Fried — ben@juniorchambermusic.org

Director bios on JCM’s website

We Want to Feature YOU!

Got an awesome story, fun fact, or performance video to share?
We love celebrating our students & alumni.

Send your stories or clips to Aimee: aimee@juniorchambermusic.org for a chance to be featured!

Stay Connected!

Follow us for daily inspiration, student spotlights, and behind-the-scenes fun:

• Instagram: @juniorchambermusic

• Facebook: @juniorchambermusic

• YouTube: @juniorchambermusic

Whether you're new to chamber music or a seasoned JCM performer, this season is your opportunity to grow, connect, and shine—we can’t wait for all that’s ahead!

With gratitude,
The Junior Chamber Music Team