Senior Soloists

Hanna Chee, Violin

Hanna Chee is a senior at Ridge High School. She began learning violin at the age of eight and has won several awards, including First Prize in the Vivo International Music Competition and Gold Medalist in the Canadian International Music Competition. Hanna is an avid participant in ensembles both inside and outside of school; she has performed for several years with the New Jersey Youth Symphony, New Jersey All-State Orchestra, and Central Jersey Regions Orchestra, where she once served as its concertmaster. Hanna also performed with the Pit Orchestra during the Ridge High School Drama Club's production of Cinderella.  

Outside the classroom, Hanna teaches beginner and intermediate level violin classes to elementary school students at her local nonprofit Chinese school, and she also serves as the Co-President of Ridge High School's Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter. This fall, Hanna will be attending Duke University, where she intends to major in Economics while continuing her musical studies in school ensembles.

Wesley Chen, Violin

Wesley Chen is a senior at Ridge High School. Starting at the age of 8, Wesley has gone on to win numerous awards for his passionate violin playing, including silver at the Grand Metropolitan Music Competition, 2nd in the American Protege International Concerto Competition, 2nd in the Vivo International Music Competition, 2nd at the Great Composers Competition and an Honorable Mention at the NJ Music Teacher Association's Youth Musician Competition. These honors have also endowed Wesley opportunities to play in famous venues such as Carnegie Hall. Wesley has also been a member of the New Jersey Youth Symphony, Central Jersey Regional Orchestra and New Jersey All-State Orchestras.

Wesley hopes to combine his interest in music and other areas at Caltech where he will be studying Electrical Engineering.

Jacob Kang, Cello

Jacob Kang is a passionate and accomplished cellist with nine years of experience, currently a senior in high school. His dedication to music has earned him recognition at the highest levels, including membership in the New York Youth Symphony, NAfME's All Eastern Orchestra, and the NJMEA All State Orchestra. Through NJMEA, Jacob was selected to be one of two recipients of the 2025 Governor's Award in Arts Education, the highest honor the state can bestow in music education. Through these opportunities, he has performed alongside some of the most talented young musicians in the region, refining his artistry and deepening his love for orchestral music.

Beyond his own musicianship, Jacob is deeply committed to using music as a force for connection and community. As Co-President of Ridge Tri-M Music Honor Society, he has spearheaded initiatives that bring live music to those who need it most, organizing performances at nursing homes, children’s hospitals, and school events.