An Evening of Note

WELCOME

Welcome to An Evening of Note. It is a pleasure to gather with you tonight as we celebrate the pianists of the Valley Christian Schools Conservatory of the Arts. This program features students from our elementary, junior high, and high school campuses, each at a different stage of their musical development, yet all reflecting the growth and commitment taking place across our Conservatory.

Performances such as these are the result of many hours spent in focused practice, where discipline, patience, and perseverance gradually shape both musical skill and personal character. I am proud of the dedication each performer has shown in preparing for this evening and am especially excited to hear three original compositions written by our student musicians. Thank you for joining us as we share their work with our community.

We are honored to welcome our featured guest artist, Valley Christian alumnus Joseph Vasconi, who returns to the Valley Christian stage for the first time since graduating in 2019. Few things bring me greater joy than welcoming alumni back to our stage and seeing them share their gifts and experience with the next generation of Valley Christian artists.

Tonight’s program was also planned to include a live Spiriocast performance by Valley Christian alumnus Stanford Yu, performing remotely from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Unfortunately, due to circumstances in the region, we were unable to include Stanford’s performance this evening. I look forward to welcoming him back to the Valley Christian stage in the future, and he remains in our thoughts and prayers.

Moments like this remind us not to take for granted the many blessings we enjoy. Music has a unique way of bringing people together, offering beauty, reflection, and encouragement. As people of faith, we are reminded that God has given us music and the arts as a source of comfort and hope in challenging times.

Thank you for joining us, and I hope you enjoy An Evening of Note.

Troy Gunter VP/Director of K-12 Conservatory of the Arts

PROGRAM

NOELLE NING

La Folia (Theme and Variations) Traditional....................... arranged by Willard A. Palmerl, (based on La Folia, a 17th-century theme) Morton Manus, and Amanda Vick Lethco

ELSA WANG

Liebesträume No. 3 in A-flat Major, S. 541/3 Franz Liszt

EFREN LIU

Nocturne in B Major, Op. 9, No. 3...........................................................................Frédéric Chopin

CAYDEN CROSWHITE

Piano Sonata No. 62 in E-flat Major, Hob. XVI:52, I. Allegro Franz Joseph Haydn

ETHAN WONG˜

Rhapsody in B minor, Op. 79, No. 1 Johannes Brahms

JASON HAM*

Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23 Frédéric Chopin

GRACE WANG+

Concert Étude, Op. 40, No. 1: Prelude................................................................. Nikolai Kapustin

DINNER

AARON CHAI

Does Not Annoy...................................................................................................................... Aaron Chai

RAYMON YANG

Gravity and Grace............................................................ ......................... ........................Raymon Yang

KAREN MATSUI*

Metropolitan Metropolis...................................................................................................Karen Matsui

ETHAN LI*

Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58, I. Allegro maestoso....................... Frédéric Chopin

AIDAN KWON*

Piano Sonata No. 4 in F-sharp Major, Op. 30...............................................Alexander Scriabin

MEINING WU*

Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52.............................................................................Frédéric Chopin

FEATURED GUEST PIANIST

JOSEPH VASCONI

PRESENTATION OF THE

“THINK

MUSIC AWARD”

BIOGRAPHIES

JOSEPH VASCONI

Hailed for having an “Adroit facility and depth of understanding that belies his student status”, (Sequenza 21) Boston-based American Pianist, Joseph Vasconi, has emerged as a multifaceted artist and is equally known for being a soloist, collaborator, and chamber musician. Born in 2001, in Los Gatos, CA, Vasconi exhibited exceptional talent at an early age. From age three, he would climb on the piano bench after his two older brothers finished their piano lessons. Their family piano teacher, however, refused to teach him until he could “count to 88”. Undeterred, he began to teach himself melodies, modeling the practice sessions of his brothers. Vasconi formally began piano studies just before age six.

In recent years, Vasconi has garnered numerous top prizes such as 1st prize at the 2018 Cunningham International Piano Competition in Philadelphia, PA. In the same year, he also won 1st Prize in the United States Open Music Competition in Oakland, CA, was named an Honorable Mention Winner in the National YoungArts Foundation in Miami, FL, and was named Musician of the Year in the Valley Christian Conservatory of the Arts. Most recently, in May 2025, he was the recipient of the New England Conservatory’s prestigious John Cage Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions and work in the field of new music.

Aside from participating in competitions, Vasconi has attended numerous prestigious music festivals, including the Aspen Music Festival and School and the Tanglewood Music Center. He has also participated in masterclasses and worked closely with legendary artists such as Marc-Andre Hamelin, Jonathan Biss, Andreas Haefliger, Fabio Bidini, Andre Laplante, and Ruth Slenczynska. Most recently, Vasconi held the Leonard Bernstein Piano Fellowship at the Tanglewood Music Center for two consecutive summers, 2023 and 2024, receiving numerous solo, chamber, vocal, and contemporary music opportunities. These included working closely with members of the Boston Symphony, learning and performing new music written by the composition fellows, and giving the Tanglewood premiere of Andile Khumalo’s “Schau-fe[r]n-ster II” for solo piano in Seiji Ozawa Hall.

As an avid chamber musician and collaborator, Vasconi has partnered with many notable artists and ensembles, including the Lorelei Ensemble, Callithumpian Consort, and the Boston Symphony, in performing music spanning the baroque period to music written within the last year. He also explores works of various instrumentation and styles ranging from standard piano, violin, and cello trios to pieces written for piano, percussion, and electronics. In the Fall of 2023, Vasconi made his Organ and Harpsichord debut in Boston’s Symphony Hall, performing Ligeti’s devilishly difficult Kammerkonzert under the baton of Samy Rachid as a part of the Boston Symphony’s ‘Ligeti 100’ series. He made his performance debut in Symphony Hall in the season prior as a Bass within the chorus of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 13 led by Maestro Andris Nelsons—of which Deutsche Gramophone released the recording. In April of 2024, Vasconi made his solo piano debut in Symphony Hall performing Messiaen’s Catalogue d’Oiseaux No.3 ‘le Merle Bleu.” In the same concert, he performed alongside the Carduus Choir, [nec]Shivaree, and the Callithumpian Consort on a program that included works by Tod Machover, Marti Epstein, and Morton Feldman.

Vasconi attended Valley Christian High School in San Jose, CA, where he majored in piano performance in the Conservatory of the Arts program. Throughout high school, he studied privately with Gwendolyn Mok, known for her extraordinary recordings of Ravel’s complete works for piano performed on period instruments. He then went on to earn his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the studios of Stephen Drury and Meng-Chieh Liu at the New England Conservatory of Music. He graduated with academic honors in May 2025.

STUDENT PERFORMERS

NOELLE NING - 3rd Grade

Noelle Ning has studied piano for over four years and is a student of Ms. Shanshan Qiao. She participates in weekly music classes at the Valley Christian Elementary campus and is affiliated with J&F Musician. Noelle’s performance experiences include recital appearances where she shares her music in a non-competitive setting. Through these opportunities, she continues to build confidence and enjoy performing for audiences. Outside of music, Noelle enjoys reading, sewing, and making crafts.

ELSA WANG - 5th Grade

Elsa Wang has studied piano for five years and is a student of Huajun Zhang. At the Conservatory, she participates in the Elementary Music Class. In 2025, Elsa was selected from more than 400 applicants to perform at the Junior Bach Festival in the Bay Area. That same year, she earned First Prize at the San Francisco International Piano Competition and Second Place in the Showcase Piano Duo/Ensemble category at the United States Open Music Competition. In 2024, she received First Prize and a Special Award for a 20th-Century Work at the Florida Young Artists Online International Piano Competition, along with First Prize at the San Francisco International Piano Competition. At age eight, Elsa was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York. She also performed a solo at the 2026 Senior Center Holiday Concert at Chateau Cupertino Senior Center. Outside of music, Elsa enjoys reading, badminton, musical theatre, and field hockey.

EFREN LIU - 5th Grade

Efren Liu has studied piano for six years and works with Ory Shihor. His recent honors include Honorable Mention at the 2025 CAPMT competition and selection as a finalist in the 32nd International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition for Children and Youth in Szafarnia. In 2024, he earned First Prize at the Charleston International Classical Music Competition and the International Vienna Piano Competition, a Gold Medal at the Seattle International Piano Competition, and additional recognition from the San Francisco International Piano Competition, United States International Music Competition, and the U.S. Open Music Competition. A memorable performance experience was appearing at the winners’ concert in the Musikverein’s Golden Hall in Vienna. Outside of music, Efren enjoys reading and playing video games with friends.

CAYDEN CROSWHITE - 6th Grade

Cayden Croswhite has studied piano for seven years and works with Dr. Yu-Chi Tai. At the Conservatory, he is enrolled in Strings II. His recent honors include 1st Prize and Outstanding Gold Medalist in the 2026 USOMC Showcase Piano Concerto Junior division, 1st Prize in the 2026 USOMC Treasury of Classical Composers Senior division, and 3rd Prize in both the 2026 CAPMT Honors Competition and CAPMT Concerto Competition (Category B). He also received an Honorable Mention in the 2025 MTNA California Junior Piano Competition. A memorable performance experience was performing with an orchestra at Haydn Hall in Austria. Cayden is affiliated with MTAC and has performed piano and violin at the VCS Junior High Open House. Outside of music, he enjoys swimming and golf.

ETHAN WONG - 11th Grade

Ethan Wong has studied piano for approximately ten years and works with Dr. Sekyeong Seong. At Valley Christian, he participates in String Ensemble Honors and the Worship Team. Ethan has achieved MTAC Piano Advanced Level and has earned recognition through the USOMC Treasury of Contemporary, Romantic, and Baroque categories. He has also participated in festivals including the Junior Bach Festival and the Bay Area Music Piano Competition. One of the most meaningful aspects of his musical journey has been performing with the nonprofit organization Back to Bach and in worship settings, where he enjoys sharing music in ways that encourage and serve others. Ethan is involved with the San Jose Youth Symphony, MTAC, and Back to Bach, and contributes through Love Through Music and Back to Bach performances. Outside of music, he enjoys violin and percussion, exploring STEM subjects, spending time with friends, and traveling with his family.

STUDENT PERFORMERS

JASON HAM - 10th Grade

Jason Ham has studied piano for eight years and works with Michelle Lee while enrolled in Piano III Honors. His recent honors include Gold Medalist at the 2024 International Manhattan Competition, First Place at the MTAC Thera Rabinowitch Competition, First Place in the 2025 International Music Competition “Barcelona” Grand Prize Virtuoso, and First Place in the 1st Miami International Music Competition in 2026. A meaningful performance experience for Jason was leading worship for a boys’ home in Cainta, Philippines, which strengthened his desire to use music to connect with and encourage others. He is affiliated with MTAC and CAPMT and participates in community initiatives including the Back to Bach Project, Bello Ensemble, and Almaden Youth Musicians. Jason enjoys traveling and spending time with his goldendoodle, Kona.

GRACE WANG - 10th Grade

Grace Wang has studied piano for nine years and works with Rose Chen while participating in String Ensemble Honors. Her recent honors include Second Place in the United States International Music Competition, Second Prize and a scholarship in the 6th WPTA Finland International Piano Competition, Second Prize in the Encore Music Competition (Intermediate Division), and Third Prize in the Singapore International Music Competition. A meaningful musical milestone was hosting her own end-of-year concert at Valley, where she shared the music she loves with friends, family, and members of the community. Grace is affiliated with SFCM and volunteers with a nonprofit orchestra that performs weekly concerts at senior centers for audiences who may not otherwise attend live performances. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and attending classical music concerts.

AARON CHAI - 4th Grade

Aaron Chai has studied piano for five years, and currently works with Lucy Ding and Grant Kondo. His original compositions have earned recognition in several competitions, including Second Place at the 2026 USOMC Original Composition Competition for Does Not Annoy, which he will perform tonight, and First Place at the 2026 Yamaha Junior Original Composition Competition for Nothing But Chilling. His composition Super Sonic Boogie also received Second Place at the 2025 USOMC and First Place at the 2025 Yamaha Junior Original Composition Competition. Aaron’s favorite performance experience is performing cello and piano with his best friend at church. Aaron also performs at senior centers as part of his community service and enjoys playing ice hockey and traveling with his family.

RAYMON YANG - 4th Grade

Raymon Yang has been playing piano since he was 5 years old, and currently studies with Hao Wu and Sue Silverstein. Raymon also began with percussion at 6 years old and composing music at 8 years old. His recent recognitions include Honorable Mention in the 2025 Yamaha National Young Composer Award for The Calmness of the Waters, Superior recognition in the same competition for Super Sonic Boogie (featuring Aaron Chai), and Honorable Mention in the 2025 MTNA California State Composition Competition for Conciseness. A meaningful performance experience was presenting one of his original compositions at Evening of Note 2025, where he returned to the piano after time away and regained his confidence. Raymon is a percussionist with CYS and participates in community service through Cub Scout Pack 453, including park cleanups, food drives, and animal shelter volunteering. His hobbies include drawing, swimming, skiing, coding, exploring math and science, solving Rubik’s Cubes, practicing yo-yo tricks, and finger skateboarding.

KAREN MATSUI - 10th Grade

Karen Matsui has studied piano for eleven years and works with Elliot Wuu, Rose Chen, and Dahveed Behroozi while enrolled in AP Music Theory and Strings II Honors. Her recent accomplishments include First Place in the Harmony and Peace Music Competition as Junior Peace and Music Ambassador and First Place in the 2025 Marian Filice Piano Competition. She also earned First Place in the Pittsburgh International Performance Competition and attended the Tanglewood Institute Young Pianists Program in 2025. Karen

has participated in masterclasses with Victor Rosenbaum, Antonio Pompa Baldi, David Cohen, and John O’Conner. After earning Second Place in the Golden Key International Composition Competition, she was invited to perform in Ehrbar Saal, a historic concert hall in Vienna. Karen contributes to her community through senior and retirement home concerts and enjoys composing, studying forensic science, and caring for her adopted and foster cats.

ETHAN LI - 10th Grade

Ethan Li has studied piano for eleven years and works with Namiq Sultanov while enrolled in Piano III Honors. His recent recognitions include First Alternate in the MTAC Concerto Competition, the Chopin Foundation Scholarship Award (Year 1), and First Prize at the Florida Keys International Music Competition. One of his most significant performance experiences was performing at Carnegie Hall. Ethan is affiliated with MTAC and contributes to his community as a church accompanist and through piano tutoring. Outside of music, he enjoys day trading.

AIDAN KWON - 11th Grade

Aidan Kwon has studied piano for eleven years and works with Kaichi Zhu while enrolled in Piano IV Honors and AP Music Theory. He is a state finalist for CAPMT, earning 1st Prize in both the Contemporary and Honors Competitions for District 2 in 2026. He also received 1st Prize in the United States Open Music Competition Solo Showcase (2026) and 2nd Prize in the OPUS Music Competition for California (2026). After winning the Golden State Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition, he performed Rhapsody in Blue with the Golden State Symphony Orchestra in 2025. He also earned 1st Prize in the Al Navaroli Young Musicians Competition in 2023 and performed with the South Valley Symphony in 2024. Aidan serves as Regional Director of the Back to Bach Project Morgan Hill chapter and as Vice President of Almaden Youth Musicians, presenting concerts and outreach performances in the community. Outside of music, he enjoys studying math and science, especially physics, as well as sports and spending time with friends.

MEINING WU - 11th Grade

Meining Wu has studied piano for eleven years and works with Hans Boepple while enrolled in Piano IV Honors. Her recent recognitions include selection to the semifinals of the 2026 Kaufman Music Center International Youth Piano Competition, selection for the 2026 Gina Bachauer Piano Competition, and a Laureate award at the 2025 Ross McKee Foundation Piano Competition. She also earned Gold Prize at the 2025 San Francisco International Piano Competition and First Prize at the 2025 Lancaster International Piano Competition. One of Meining’s most meaningful performance experiences was performing with an orchestra for the first time alongside the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. She is affiliated with MTAC and contributes to her community through senior center concerts, piano teaching for elementary students, and service in her church. Outside of music, Meining enjoys painting, drawing, reading, making matcha, and spending time with her dog, Mango.

CONSERVATORY PIANO FACULTY

MRS. SAMANTHA ELLIOTT - ELEMENTARY

MRS. ELIZABETH CHANG - JUNIOR HIGH

4.22.26

JUNIOR HIGH CHOIR, HIGH SCHOOL CONSERVATORY CHORUS, AND ADVANCED VOCAL ENSEMBLE

7 PM | Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph

AFFIRMING THE ARTS

Spring 2026

Jan 24.............................. West Coast Elite Dance Competition - HS Dance

Jan 31................................ Conservatory Concerto Competition Finals Round - HS Music

Mar 5-7............................. 11-14 My Fair Lady - HS Theatre

Mar 26-28......................... Dare to Dream Jr. - A Disney Musical Revue - JH Theatre

Mar 30.............................. Spring Chamber Recital - JH/HS Chambers

Mar 31............................... Serenade to Spring - JH/HS Strings

Apr 18............................... An Evening of Note - K-12 Music

Apr 22.............................. Faith, Hope, and Love - JH/HS Choirs

Apr 23............................. Percussion Extravaganza - JH Drums/HS Percussion

Apr 23-25........................ Emotions: Sitcoms - HS Dance

Apr 30-May 2.................. Experiments in Comedy & Tragedy - HS Theatre

May 4-15.......................... Art Show - EL Art

May 8-9............................ Willy Wonka KIDS - EL Theatre

May 11.............................. Theatre & Dance Senior Showcase - HS Conservatory

May 12-15......................... Art Show and Visual Art Senior Showcase - JH/HS Art

May 13.............................. Festival of the Arts and Music Senior Showcase - K-12 Music

May 21-23......................... DanceScapes: Under the Big Top - EL/JH Dance

May 24............................. Conservatory Concerto Competition Winners Concert - HS Music

WARRIOR FUND

Tuition funds operations. Philanthropy fuels vision. Every gift makes a difference, so please consider donating to the Warrior Fund today.

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 25, 2026

Join us for the “Warrior Celebration: Honoring the past. Inspiring the future.” a community event spanning multiple generations, celebrating God’s faithfulness and the profound impact of Christ-centered education on thousands of lives. This semi-formal evening will feature student-led experiences and performances, mocktails, appetizers, dinner, a silent auction, and opportunities to connect with our vibrant community. vcs.net/warriorcelebration

May 11, 2026

We look forward to welcoming the VCS community for a round of golf and a day of fellowship at the annual Golf Classic. vcs.net/golfclassic Thank

Giving PLANNED

The Shechem Oak Society honors alumni, parents, and friends who have included Valley Christian Schools in their estate plans, empowering future generations just as the oak at Shechem symbolized God’s faithfulness throughout biblical history. Your gift ensures our faithful witness to God’s kingdom mission through VCS to all generations.

We invite you to join the Shechem Oak Society. Visit plannedgiving.vcs.net or contact advancement@vcs.net to explore the variety of ways you can make a lasting impact at VCS.

MISSION STATEMENT

Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.

VISION STATEMENT

A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™

FOUNDING STATEMENT

Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth-grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence