Teachers

Sophie Wilkes

Sophie Wilkes attends Desert Hills High School and maintains a private violin studio. She currently studies violin and viola with Kirsten Candland, violin with Jenny Oaks Baker and viola with Jason Bonham. Sophie began playing violin with Kristy Duncan when she was 5 years old. Sophie was concertmaster for the Utah All-State Junior High Orchestra in 2023 and was principal violist in 2024. She was a finalist and division winner for the Southwest Symphony Youth Concerto Competition in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. She was a finalist in the Utah ASTA Solo Competition in 2022 and 2024 . She was selected to perform with the Utah Symphony in the 2023 Salute to Youth Concert. She studies in Utah Tech University's Pre-college Chamber Music Academy. Sophie loves participating in the Zion Youth Symphony Orchestra and has performed as a duet member and soloist in their Concerto Night concerts.  

Amelia Henderson

Amelia has played the viola for 8 years and loves being involved in orchestra in any capacity. She has her own private studio where she teaches both violin and viola. Amelia is currently a member of the Zion Youth Symphony Orchestra, as well as her school orchestra at Desert Hills High School. She currently studies with Kristen Candland, as well as with Dr. LeeAnn Morgan. Amelia has been able to participate as a member of the Utah All-State orchestra for 4 years. She has been a finalist in the ASTA 2026 Chamber Competition. Amelia has participated in the Utah Tech Pre-College Chamber Music Academy for 4 seasons.