Brendan Chang (violin) is a senior at Arnold O. Beckman High School in Irvine. He is a three-year member of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra where he is a member of the first violin section. He serves as the assistant concertmaster of Beckman’s Chamber Orchestra and has performed at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. As part of OC Music and Dance’s Allegrio Quartet, Brendan has performed at community events, including former President Bush’s painting exhibition at the Nixon Library. Brendan also volunteers at Love in Music, where he teaches the violin to students from underprivileged areas. Outside of music, Brendan spends his time watching football and enjoys subjects such as English and history.

Isaac Shung (cello) is a junior at Portola High School and is in his fifth year participating in JCM. He has loved every bit of the experience and enjoys finding balance between music and playing competitive tennis as a member of the Portola Varsity Tennis Team.

Over the years, Isaac has been grateful for opportunities to participate in the Southwestern Youth Music Festival (SYMF), where he has received several first-place honors. He was also honored to receive first place in the Musical Arts Competition and perform at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library. In addition to his solo work, Isaac has enjoyed growing as a musician through his experiences with the Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings, the Irvine Honors Orchestra, and the All-State Orchestra.

Outside of rehearsals and matches, Isaac is the oldest of six siblings and finds much of his joy in the time he spends at home with his family.

Jonathan Zhou (piano) is a junior at Sage Hill School and studies piano with Dr. Bella Tseng. Throughout high school, he had performed as a pianist for the Sage Hill Wind Ensemble since ninth grade. This year, he has joined Junior Chamber Music, learning to work as a trio. Jonathan is a prizewinner in numerous international and regional competitions. He was selected as a 2025 MTAC Certificate of Merit Panel Honors recipient, the distinction in California’s Certificate of Merit program, awarded to 46 students statewide and performed at the State Convention recital. His recent honors include First Prize at the Charleston International Music Competition, First Prize at the New Star Music International Etude Competition, First Place at the American Protégé International Romantic Music Competition, and First Prize and Grand Prize at the Satori Young Pianist Contest. He is also a first-place winner of the Musical Arts Competition of Orange County (MACOC) and was invited to perform in the Winners Concert at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library. In March 22 2026, he will perform at Carnegie Hall as a First Prize winner of the American Protégé International Competition.

Beyond music, Jonathan is the founder of the Southern California VeteranCare MedLink Network and volunteers at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center. Jonathan has founded and led three student clubs at Sage Hill School; initiated a school student-led service-learning program; volunteered at the VA Hospital; and organized Sage Hill’s USABO & BBO team. He is also an avid hockey player and has played year-round varsity ice hockey with frequent travel. Jonathan's dream is to become a neurosurgeon while pursuing a lifelong love for music.