REQUIREMENTS
Caleb Fong, a junior at Claremont High School, has been playing the violin for twelve years. This is his fourth year in the CYMO. Caleb began studying violin under the instruction of Wendy Waggener, and has been a student of Sam Fischer since 2024. His past teachers include Dr. Amanda Yang, Dr. Rachel Huang, and Jill Yu.
Some of Caleb's accomplishments include: Strings Grand Prize winner at the Satori Music Festival (2023), VOCE State Finalist (2024, 2025), participation in the MTAC State Honor Panel Masterclass (2024), Dan Stover Music Scholarship, 2nd place in the JCM Chamber Music Competition with CYMO alumni Sebastian Quadrini and Phineus Choi.
In addition to solo performances, Caleb is actively involved in his high school orchestra and enjoys playing chamber music with friends. In his free time, he experiments with different styles of music, plays sports, and explores new foods.
Nicole Lin, a sophomore at Diamond Bar High School, has been playing the violin for nine years and currently studies with Joan Kwuon. This is her sixth year in the CYMO and she is presently the co-concertmaster of the group and a section leader in the Diamond Bar High School Symphony Orchestra.
Nicole's awards in solo competitions include: 1st prize at the 2024 American Protege Concerto Competition, 1st prize at the 2024 SYMF Competition, 2nd prize at the 2025 OPUS State Competition, 2nd prize at the 2024 Los Angeles American String Teachers ASTA Finals Competition, and finalist at the 2024 ASTA State Finals Competition. As the SYMF winner, she was invited to perform in a benefit recital, which included an interview with former "From the Top host", Christopher O'Riley. Most recently, Nicole was awarded 1st prize at the Bellflower Concerto Competition and will perform with the Bellflower Symphony Orchestra this April. In addition to her violin studies, she earned State Honors in the Certificate of Merit (CM) Advanced Level Exam for piano in 2020.
Nicole was a member of the SCSBOA Honor Orchestra in 2020, 2023, and 2025, as well as the CODA Honor Orchestra in 2023. As a committed DBHS Performing Arts Academy member, she participates in monthly chamber recitals, sharing her passion with the community. Outside of music, Nicole enjoys playing basketball, crocheting, and traveling with her family.
