STOM: Serena Chin

Through this year’s spring dew, this March's Orchestra Student of the Month goes to a dedicated, senior violist, Serena Chin. As this month’s featured student, Serena expresses her growth within the orchestra over the years, from Florida trips, to performing at Carnegie hall, and also at the All-Southern Honor Orchestra.

Beginning as a pianist, Serena thought back to her earlier years as a student, joining her school orchestra in 4th grade because it gave her time away from her piano practices, as well as offering a fun alternative to bond with other peers as a violist. She chose to play the viola because “[her] sister always told [her] that violists are the most friendly people in orchestra.” That decision led her to a lifelong passion. From playing side-by-side with peers who shared her private teacher to traveling across the country for performances, from Florida theme parks to the stage of Carnegie Hall, Serena found that orchestra wasn’t just an extracurricular, but “a community of people you can rely on and find solace in.”

Furthermore, Serena has played in the All-Southern Honor Orchestra, completed Level 10 Certificate of Merit Exams in both piano and viola, and earned superior ratings each year in the National Federation of Music Clubs performances. She also volunteered in music therapy at USC Arcadia Hospital from 2023 to 2025 and is a member of the Crescendo Young Musicians Guild (CYMG) chamber music program, playing live music in senior homes, nonprofit fundraisers, and public performances. 

When she’s not leading sectionals or practicing solo pieces, Serena enjoys the little things in life—like making collages, indulging in her weakness for Bingsu Bingsu at the mall, or creating playlists. Her playlists consist of artists such as Tyler the Creator, Ichiko Aoba, and Piero Piccioni. 

Beyond the music and the memories, Serena’s biggest takeaway has been the importance of listening: “The orchestra is one large moving group, and the ability to listen keeps the pulse going and the music playing.” Whether as a leader, a friend, or one member of a section, Serena Chin embodies the spirit of orchestra’s community, and we’re lucky to have grown with her. Congratulations, Serena, on being this March's Orchestra Student of the Month!