By JOYCE ANN GUZIK
Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra
The Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra awarded four scholarships to Los Alamos High School Seniors in 2026. These scholarships recognize seniors who have demonstrated exceptional interest and accomplishments in music. The student must attend Los Alamos High School or live in Los Alamos County. The scholarships are intended to encourage the recipients to continue their musical activities, regardless of whether they pursue music as a career. Three of these scholarships were made possible by donations in memory of LASO members who have passed away in recent years. The Los Alamos Symphony Scholarship is funded by audience and member donations.
Noelle M. Judd
Noelle M. Judd (viola) was awarded the Jackie MacFarlane Scholarship ($1000), given in memory of long-time LASO violinist Jackie MacFarlane, who passed away Nov. 25, 2024. Noelle has been playing viola for almost nine years and played for four years in the Los Alamos Symphonic Strings Orchestra.
Noelle has attended the New Mexico All-State Music Festival for the past three years. Through playing in high school and studying under Tamyra Smith, her love for music and viola has grown. Noelle plans to attend Colorado State University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in music therapy with a viola emphasis.
Noelle would like to thank her orchestra colleagues and teachers for helping her grow in her passion for music and education.
Carlos Martinez
Carlos Martinez (bassoon) was awarded the Rosemary O’Connor scholarship ($1000). Carlos has taken advantage of many musical opportunities during high school, including choir, playing in marching band (flute/piccolo), pit orchestra, honor band, playing with the Santa Fe Youth Symphony and, this spring, with the Los Alamos Symphony and Los Alamos Community Winds.
Carlos was selected as a Youth Musician Ambassador for the Santa Fe Symphony Association. Carlos’s essay is filled with vignettes about learning from the example of other musicians.
Carlos writes, “During my sophomore year, playing in the youth symphony was always the highlight of my week, and thinking about my future made me realize my life cannot be complete without playing in a symphony orchestra. This is what made me decide to pursue bassoon performance as my college major, and I’ve been accepted into the University of New Mexico’s music program.”
Penelope Barry-Hoffman
Penelope Barry-Hoffman (oboe/English horn) was awarded the Jane Gerheart scholarship ($1000). After starting out on piano and playing trumpet in elementary school, Penelope began to study oboe in fourth grade and played oboe in middle school band. In high school she played in marching band (synthesizer) and later served as the band manager. She also played oboe/English horn with the Santa Fe Youth Symphony.
Penelope will be attending the University of Chicago, majoring in evolutionary ecology and comparative literature, where she has been named a President’s Scholar and University Scholar. She has set a goal “to perform both oboe and English horn each semester with various University of Chicago groups, whether it’s during the University Symphony Orchestra’s costumed Halloween concert or at Tea Time Concerts with the Early Music Ensemble.”
Penelope writes, “Music has allowed me to explore new identities and try things I would otherwise have never considered, pouring out my passion in the voice that best fits me. I have made lifelong friends, connections, and memories that I would have never found elsewhere, while also building my appreciation for hard work, dedication, and leadership.”
Angel Meng
Angel Meng (violin) was awarded the Los Alamos Symphony Scholarship ($1000). Angel has played with the Los Alamos Symphonic Strings, the All-State Symphony, Santa Fe Youth Symphony (concertmaster for one year), and the Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra, and has performed for many private and community events in addition to tutoring middle school students. Angel will be attending U. California Davis.
Angel writes, “Violin has allowed me to grow creatively and artistically, connect with like- minded people, and contribute to my community by bringing people together. It is the way I express myself, feel and create emotions, and it is a major part of who I am today. In college, I am excited to continue my pursuit of music. I plan on joining my university’s orchestra ensemble, as well as any other musical groups they have to offer. I hope to expand my musical horizons by joining jazz and chamber groups as well. Additionally, I intend to continue giving back to my community through teaching violin lessons and more.”
Members of the public interested in helping fund the LASO Scholarships may send a check, payable to LASO, to PO Box 613, Los Alamos, NM 87544. You may also donate via PayPal or credit card at the web site: https://losalamossymphony.org/index.php/donate.
The Los Alamos Symphony is always looking for new members and players—if you are interested, please contact us at: secretary@losalamossymphony.org.