The Almaden Youth Musicians (AYM) Octet 2020 was formed in San Jose, CA with a mission to “Share Love through Music,” to bring classical music to the community by performing at senior centers and raising funds to support local charities. Recently, the group was chosen as a First Place Winner in the Intermediate Category of the American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music 2020.
Cellist Andrew Kang is the founding member and coach of this ensemble, having won numerous solo competitions, including American Protégé Piano and String Competition, and a member of Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra. He holds the president position at Almaden Youth Musicians.
1st Violinist Dongwoo Kang has several major accomplishments including 2nd place for the American Protégé Piano and Strings Competition and 1st place at MTAC (Music Teachers' Association of California) State Finals. He is the 2nd violin principal at the Concert Orchestra of California Youth Symphony.
Seyeon Rah won a 3rd place at MTAC VOCE ensemble division. Currently, she is a member of San Jose Youth Symphony Philharmonic Orchestra and Leland High School orchestra.
Erica Song is a sophomore and currently a member of her school orchestra, the Almaden Youth Musicians, and the Cambrian Symphony. She has won several awards for piano, such as, Great Composer Competition Series(2nd, 3rd) and SF International Innovative Music Competition (2nd).
Aidan Kwon has been playing violin and piano since the age of 6. Aidan has played in multiple competitions including the USOMC, USIMC, and the Korea Times Music competitions. He also received 2nd place in the American Protégés Piano and String Competition 2020 for string quartets.
Bomin Emily Kim was awarded 2nd place at the 2020 Silicon Valley Music Competition and also performed a solo for the Santa Clara Honors 2020, hosted by the MTAC. She is currently an avid musician in the Senior Orchestra at the California Youth Symphony.
Brandon Kwon plays the viola and is a vice president at music club at school. He has played in multiple competitions, including Bay Area music competition, MTAC State Finals, and the American Protégés Piano and String Competition 2020 for string quartets.
Donghyung Kang's musical accomplishments include earning 3rd place at the MTAC VOCE ensemble division, in 2019 and multiple awards in 2020 including the American Protégé Piano and Strings Competition.