Erin Lee is a clarinetist and pianist who has performed with the Philadelphia Sinfonia Orchestra (as section leader), CJMEA Region Band, NJMEA All-State Band, and TCNJ Honors Band Festival. Inspired by her experience as a camp counselor with the Community District Alliance Program teaching music to children from underprivileged backgrounds, Lee developed an interest in helping the orphans of Haiti learn the joy of playing musical instruments. She went on to found the Helping Haiti club, which collects, repairs, and ships musical instruments to Haiti along with educational support and revenue for a music school benefitting orphans.
“My experience with the Haitian orphans has profoundly shaped my understanding of the importance of music education and fueled my desire to make a difference,” says Erin. “I am committed to pursuing music education to lift others into the spotlight.”
Erin will continue her education at Northwestern University, where she plans to get involved with The Academy of Music for Special Education and Music for Memory.
Jacqueline Ramos Rudder is a pre-professional ballet dancer who plays violin and piano, and enjoys writing, producing and visual arts as well. A longtime dancer and co-chair of the Princeton Ballet School Dancers Association, Jacqueline has also performed with the vocal ensemble Vox Central Jazz Choir and Take Notes Acapella Ensemble. She won the Scholastic Gold Key Region-at-large East Award for Excellence in Poetry (1st place for Eastern USA).
Jacqueline’s academic interests center on the sciences. Inspired by her grandmother, a chemistry teacher, Jacqueline intends to double major in chemistry and creative writing, with a possible minor in film.
“I hope to explore the bridge between art and science, like I’ve been encouraged to since my youth,” she shares. Jacqueline will be attending Brown University in the Fall.
Join us in congratulating these exceptional young people. We look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the years to come!