Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra Concert

Overview

The Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra will be presenting its spring concert under the direction of Dr. David Newby. The concert will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Country Oaks Baptist Church located at 20915 Schout Road.

Upon entering the church, you will receive a program and get the chance to bid on a silent auction item, either a figure drawing in charcoal by BJ Mitchell or a 12-piece china set. Silent auction items can be paid for by check, cash, Zelle, or PayPal.

Beginning the concert will be Smyth’s The Boatswain’s Mate followed by this year’s Young Artist Competition winner Christina Roh, performing movement IV of the Elgar Cello Concerto.

Christina Roh is currently 15 years old and a ninth grader at Stockdale High School. She first began her studies under Carla Lewis at the young age of 4 and continued to grow through her school orchestra under the guidance of Sue Dockweiler. In the spring of her sixth grade year, Roh participated in her first CMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival and received 2 Superiors while studying with cellist Alex Wilson. That same year, she ranked 5th chair at the Kern County Honor Orchestra and was placed in the Strolling Strings Advanced Orchestra.

In May of 2022, Roh began her studies with Alice Lee via Zoom and discovered her passion for music. Lee inspired Roh to push herself beyond her limits which eventually led to her acceptance to BYSO as one of the youngest members and the California All State Jr High String Ensemble. Shortly after, she participated in the Bob Cole Honors Festival and was chosen to be in a master class with Professor Joon Sung Jun where she performed her first concerto, Klengel Concerto in C major. She also auditioned for the Kern County Honor Orchestra again and was seated principal cellist in the orchestra.

Lee introduced Roh to her current teacher, Jisun Jung, who is located in Irvine and learns via Zoom. With both her teachers' help, Roh was able to prepare her second concerto, Saint Saens Cello Concerto No. 1, in three months just in time for the CMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival, ASTA festival, and the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. That spring, Roh became the youngest winner of the BYSO Concerto Competition at just 12 years old. Around the same time, she received an email stating she was invited to perform in the LA Youth Philharmonic Orchestra over the summer.

After performing as soloist for BYSO, Roh served as principal cellist at the California All State Concert Orchestra and also received a CP rating at the CMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival with the Kabalevsky Cello Concerto. The following summer, Roh studied with Christopher Costanza, a professor at Stanford University, at the Montecito International Music Festival. Currently, she serves as assistant principal for the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra. A couple months later, she was accepted into the CODA Symphony Orchestra along with California All State String Orchestra. Roh also founded a non-profit organization, Harmony Foundation, which works to serve our community through music especially in under-represented areas. Most recently, Roh was awarded the Young Artist winner of 2025, 1st prize for ASTA, and 2 CPs at the CMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival.

Outside of music, Roh leads her church youth group's praise team and enjoys baking. She plans to continue her musical career throughout highschool and hopes to continue growing as a musician. Roh is eternally grateful for her teacher, Jisun Jung, for always guiding, supporting, and inspiring her. Roh also wants to thank Rebecca Brooks for all the love and encouragement she showered Roh with as a young musician. Lastly, she wants to thank Sue Dockwiler, Teresa Rizo, Amanda Sproul, Leo Sakamoto, Regina Pryor, Amy McGuire, Alex Wilson, Carla Lewis, and all her other past/current teachers for making her the musician she is today. Roh wants to recognise Sara, Albert, Aari, Himaja, Emily, Jaden, Candice, Grace, Joy, Dokern, The Blessed Family, and all her other friends for being with her through thick and thin. Also, she wants to thank her church community, bible study group, and Albert for always leading her to Christ especially when going through rough patches. Most importantly, Roh wants to thank her family for being the biggest support system in her life and sticking with her through the many wins, losses, smiles, and tears.

After the intermission, the silent auction winners will be announced. The Brahms, Symphony No. 4 will then be performed.

Refreshments will be served following the concert. Members of the audience may greet Dr. David Newby, Christina Roh, and musicians.

For any questions regarding this free concert, visit www.tehachapiorchestra.com or call 661-823-8249. If you are unable to attend the concert, you will be able to listen to it at a later time by going to the Tehachapi Symphony’s YouTube page.