2023 AMMA Festival
Classical Piano Solo Category
JOSIE CHONG
Josie Chong is 17 years old and is currently a junior at Richard Montgomery High School in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. She started playing piano at the age of 6 and currently studies with Dr. JeongEun Park Kang. She has won numerous awards at competitions including the YMIC Metropolitan Festival, the NVMTA Piano Concerto Competition, and the American Masters Music Awards. Outside of her musical activities, Josie enjoys swimming, painting, and watching movies with her family.
Popular Music/Jazz Solo Category
RYAN SHIN, PIANO
Ryan Shin, age 15, is an 9th grader at Thomas S. Wootton High School. Ryan has studied piano since age 5. He has won numerous awards including the MSMTA Spring Festival, YMIC Metropolitan Music Festival, YMIC International Competition, American Masters Music Awards, Lancaster International Music Festival, and more recently has performed at Carnegie Hall. In his free time, Ryan likes to read books, play video games, and hang out with friends.
Popular Music/Jazz Chamber Category
IRENE KIM, PIANO
Irene Kim, Piano, is currently a Junior at Thomas S. Wootton High School. She has played the piano for 11 years and also played the viola for 5 years and has participated in several musical activities for both instruments, including YMIC Metropolitan Solo & Chamber Music Festival, Joseph and Goldie Feder Memorial String Competition, Rockville Competition, Maryland Orchestra Directors Association State Solo & Ensemble Festival, and many more. She also recently placed 1st at the AMMA Festival with a duet and 2nd with a solo. During the summer of 2022, she participated in the Lancaster International Festival. She has served the community by participating in performances at community nursing homes as a pianist and violist. Outside music, Irene plays for her high school varsity field hockey and lacrosse team.
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JULIE KIM, PIANO
Julie Kim, Piano, is a student under Dr. JeongEun Park for 7 years. She is an 11th grader currently attending Poolesville High School. Throughout those years, Julie has participated in many competitions and events such as the AMMA Festival, National Gospel Music Competition, YMIC Metropolitan Music Festivals, the Washington National Youth Music Competition, and the Rockville Music Competition. During the summer of 2022, Julie participated in the Lancaster International Festival. In addition to music, Julie enjoys art as a hobby and is focusing on biology for her future.
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NOAH SCHIFFGENS, DOUBLE BASS
Noah Schiffgens, Bass, is currently a Sophomore attending Walter Johnson High School. He plays for the Maryland Classical Youth Orchestra (MCYO) and the Montgomery County Junior Jazz Ensemble. Noah has been dedicated to bass since the 4th grade, and outside of music, he is an avid volleyball player and an inspired instructor at his taekwondo studio.
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