Minji Choi, violin (South Korea) studies under Chloe Chiu and has received masterclasses from Jinjoo Cho, Paul Kantor, Qian Zhou, Margaret Batjer, and Bing Wang. She has performed with orchestras such as the Bellflower Symphony, Southern California Philharmonic, and Sierra Vista Chamber Orchestra. She was awarded an honorable mention in the 2024 Music Center’s Spotlight Competition, where she was the youngest participant and granted scholarship. Her recent awards include second place in the MTNA State Round, first place at ASTA, and overall grand prize in the CAPMT State Round. Minji participates in the Chamber Music OC Pre-College Program with scholarship, and was unanimously chosen as the only student to be featured in its faculty showcase. She is also a member of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, and was the concertmaster of the Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings. She was selected for the symphony’s quartet and picked as one of their concert ensemble soloists. Minji also contributes to Smile Train OC, where she performs to help fundraise for children born with clefts. In 2023, Minji was selected as the youngest participant of the Encore Summer Institute with a merit scholarship. This summer, along with YAP, Minji will also participate in NYO2.