Sarah Rothenberg Artistic Director

Young Artist Program

DACAMERA YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM

The DACAMERA Young Artist program is a fellowship program for emerging professional instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers. The goal of the program is to encourage musicians to develop the skills necessary to become passionate, forward-thinking and community-focused “citizen artists;” that is, artists who reimagine the traditional notions of their music-making and embrace the role of contributing to society through the transformative power of their art and proactive social engagement. DACAMERA Young Artists participate in an exciting variety of performances, workshops and school visits. Young Artists perform at the Wortham Center; The Menil Collection; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and area hospitals and libraries. They are also the principal teaching artists for DACAMERA’s innovative Music Encounters program.

The 2025/20256 Young Artists are:

Natalie Broussard, jazz voice; Ashni Budge, violin;  Chloe de Souza, piano; Claire Druffner, cello; Kenny Ford, bassoon; Hanna Frampton, mezzo-soprano; Marwan Ghonima, jazz bass; Miranda Hollingsworth, violin; Sophie Kim, harp; Yubin Kim, violin; Bensen Kwan, percussion; Evan Llafet, violin; Nicholas Lindell, viola; James Palmer, piano; Eliza Reimold, clarinet; Tasiah Rodgers, jazz voice; Adam W. Sadberry, flute; Samantha St. John, double bass; Felix Veser, viola; Jaylin Vinson, composer; Emma Kent Wine, composer and Sean Terada Yang, piano.

Click below the photo to learn more about each DACAMERA Young Artist. Look for upcoming performances by the Young Artists on our Free Events page.

Natalie Broussard

Jazz Voice

Learn more
Natalie Broussard is a vocalist from Lafayette, Louisiana, performing across jazz, pop, and choral traditions. She earned her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she was named Outstanding Graduate for the School of the Arts and honored as a Presser Foundation Scholar. Now based in Houston, she sings with the Grammy Award–winning Houston Chamber Choir and the new chamber ensemble Cor Mundi. She is also a creator of Standards & Strings, a project that reimagines jazz standards with string quartet. In addition to performing, Ms. Broussard is an early childhood music specialist with the Prelude Music Foundation and is pursuing post-baccalaureate studies in communication sciences and disorders at the University of Houston.

Ashni Budge

Violin

Learn more

Ashni Budge is a violinist pursuing her Master of Music at Rice University’s Shepherd School under the tutelage of Paul Kantor. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastman School of Music and a psychology degree from the University of Rochester. Ashni has performed at prestigious venues such as Walt Disney Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, the New World Center, the Congress Center in Graz, Austria, and has shared the stage with soloists such as Gil Shaham, Gabriela Montero, and Yuja Wang. A dedicated educator, she received the Certificate of Achievement in Leadership from Rochester’s Mayor and Rochester’s Black Heritage Committee for her exceptional leadership and commitment to her students’ success.

Chloe De Souza

Piano

Learn more

Pianist Chloe de Souza is known for her emotional expressivity and versatility as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator. Based in Houston, she serves as a chamber music teaching artist with the American Festival for the Arts and holds adjunct faculty positions at Texas Southern University, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and Annunciation Orthodox School. She is also Music Director at Bethel United Church of Christ and pianist for the Houston Show Choir. A current Young Artist with DACAMERA, de Souza performs widely across the U.S. and internationally.

Recent highlights include performances at the Wortham Theater Center and The Menil Collection, a flute and piano recital in San Miguel de Allende, a solo recital and masterclass tour across India in 2023, and a solo performance of Dinuk Wijeratne’s Piano Concerto at the Inter-Asian Cultural Exposition in Baltimore.

De Souza was a 2023–24 Interplay Artist, completing a teaching residency at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Under Steinway India, she led masterclasses in Bangalore and Mumbai. She earned degrees from Oberlin Conservatory (BM in Piano and Vocal Performance) and Eastman School of Music (MM in Piano Performance), where she was awarded the Cecile Staub Genhart Scholarship. She is currently pursuing a DMA in Piano Performance at the Peabody Institute.

Claire Druffner

Cello

Learn more
Claire Druffner began her cello studies at the age of 3. In 2014, Claire debuted with the Plano Symphony Orchestra, performing the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto and, in 2015, Claire performed for a combined 15,000 schoolchildren with the PSO playing the Kabalevsky Concerto. She has participated in Greenwood Music Camp, the Meadowmount School of Music, the Heifetz Institute, and Tanglewood Music Center. In 2020, Claire cofounded Practice Notes, an initiative that provides practice resources through fun, interactive, and collaborative social media posts with world-famous collaborators such as Daniel Phillips and Johannes Moser. Claire completed her undergraduate studies with Norman Fischer at the Shepherd School at Rice University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Music at the Shepherd School with Valentin Radutiu.

Kenny Ford

Bassoon

Learn more

Kenny Ford is a bassoonist from Chelsea, Michigan who passionately pursues solo, chamber, and orchestral playing. Ms. Ford is a performer and coordinator of the Mousai Quintet which has performed across the country winning 1st place at the New England International Chamber Competition, 2nd place at the Frances Walton Chamber Competition in 2024, and were featured artists on NPR’s Classical KING! Live station. Ms. Ford was also a fellow at the National Symphony Summer Music Institute in 2023 and at the Music Academy of the West in 2024 and 2025. 

Ms. Ford received her bachelor’s degree in 2025 from the Eastman School of Music studying with Professor George Sakakeeny and currently studies at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music pursuing a Master’s Degree with Professor Ben Kamins.

Hanna Frampton

Mezzo Soprano

Learn more
Japanese-American mezzo soprano Hanna Frampton is a Master’s student studying with Nova Thomas at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. Next, she will sing Zweite Dame in Die Zauberflöte with Rice University Opera. She has also recently sung Mercédès in Carmen and Olga in The Merry Widow this past summer. Previous roles include The Sorceress in Dido and Aeneas, The Resident in Breath of Life and The Ghost Quartet in The Ghosts of Versailles. She is also well-versed in recital work, performing and collaborating with composers in chamber works, song composition, and chamber opera. She completed her Bachelor of Music at The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. Summer programs include Opera in the Ozarks, the Collaborative Piano Institute, Songfest, and the American Institute of Musical Studies where she performed select works with orchestra and performed as a soloist.

Marwan Ghonima

Jazz Bass

Learn more

Marwan Ghonima is a jazz double bassist from Houston, Texas. A graduate of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), he went on to study at the University of the Pacific, where he was a member of the Pacific Jazz Ambassadors program—formerly known as the Brubeck Institute. There he got the opportunity to learn from and play with the likes of Stefon Harris, Eric Reed, Elena Pinderhughes, and more. 

Rooted in the traditions of Black American music, Marwan’s playing reflects a deep respect for the lineage of jazz while embracing the creative energy of the modern scene. His sound is defined by a strong sense of groove, melodic clarity, and a thoughtful approach to ensemble interplay. At just 23, Marwan continues to develop his voice as both a performer and composer, collaborating with a range of artists and bringing an expressive, grounded presence to every musical setting he joins.

Miranda Hollingsworth

Violin

Learn more

Miranda Hollingsworth is a passionate violinist and chamber musician that has performed recitals in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. She gave the premier of Kanitz’s String Quartet in D for the ARC Ensemble in Toronto, which was described as “particularly compelling and joyous, the best of the concert” (Ludwig Van Toronto). In 2024, Ms. Hollingsworth recorded for the Kronos Quartet as part of their Fifty for the Future project. She premiered Kaufmann’s 7th String Quartet in Tianjin, China, at the Tianjin Juilliard Orchestral Leadership Symposium in May 2025. In October 2025, she attended the Danish String Quartet Academy on a full scholarship. Ms. Hollingsworth organized the first ever Toronto Music for Food concert. Miranda recently earned her Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston.

 

Sophie Kim

Harp

Learn more

DACAMERA Young Artist Sophie Kim is currently pursuing her Master of Music degree at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music with Allegra Lilly. Raised in College Park, MD, Sophie was named a National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellow in 2017. She has served as principal harpist at the Mostly Modern Festival, the Round Top Festival Institute, and the Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival, as well as participating in the National Orchestral Institute + Festival. In 2026, Sophie will make her concerto debut with the Mostly Modern Orchestra, performing Kaija Saariaho’s Trans for harp and orchestra. She enjoys working with composers and performing new music, and has premiered works by Shih-Hui Chen, Nicki Sohn, Oliver Dubon, Anthony Brandt, Daniel Leibovic, and Alex Moreno. Sophie received her Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance from Rice University with Paula Page.

Yubin Kim

Violin

Learn more

Korean violinist Yubin Kim holds a Bachelor of Music from Yonsei University and a Master of Music from the Shepherd School of Music. She is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University under the tutelage of Paul Kantor. Throughout her studies, Yubin has attended the Verbier Music Festival as a fellow in 2023 and 2024. She has worked with renowned artists such as Simon Rattle, Zubin Mehta, Klaus Makela, Christoph Eschenbach, and Daniele Gatti. As a soloist, she has performed in masterclasses for artists including David Chan, Liviu Prunaru, and Mi Kyung Lee.Yubin currently plays a 1687 Stardivarious violin on a generous loan.

Bensen Kwan

Percussion

Learn more
Bensen Kwan is a percussionist and educator from Houston, TX. A jack-of-all-trades, master of one, he received his master’s from the University of Delaware on full scholarship and bachelor’s from the University of Houston. His accolades include being a featured soloist with the United States Army Field Band and West Point Band, along with being a prizewinner of several competitions. His international endeavors include study in Leipzig, Germany under Stefan Rapp; marimba in Greece with Theodor Milkov; Trinidad & Tobago to play steelpan with the First Citizens Supernovas; and most recently, Japan to study with marimba virtuoso, Keiko Abe. “Community through music” is a mantra he stands by, and he hopes to combine music and community service in a way that brings people together.

Evan Llafet

Violin

Learn more

Evan Llafet is a 24 year old violinist and tenor from Vancouver, Washington. Currently he is pursuing graduate studies at the Rice University Shepherd School of Music studying with Paul Kantor. He graduated with Bachelor’s degrees in Violin and Vocal Arts with honors from the USC Thornton School. Previous studies were at the Colburn Academy with Henry Gronnier and privately with Carol Sindell. Honors include Gold Medal at the Vancouver Symphony competition, winner of the Los Angeles Korean Musicians Competition, and National YoungArts Winner in Voice. He has been privileged to play for celebrated artists like Hilary Hahn, Arnold Steinhardt, and Glenn Dicterow. Recently, he appeared at the Phillips Collection on tour with the celebrated cellist Seth Parker Woods. 

Nicholas Lindell

Viola

Learn more

Nicholas Lindell studied violin, viola, and mathematics at the University of Georgia and is presently a DMA candidate at Rice University, where he has taught music theory. He served as principal violist and soloist with the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge in 2021 and regularly plays viola with the Houston Symphony and the Houston Grand Opera and Ballet. The American Viola Society invited him as an Emerging Artist to present a lecture recital at the society’s 2024 Festival in Los Angeles, CA.

Nicholas also loves composing, arranging, and performing in various fiddle and jazz styles. He even spent a summer researching classified cryptographic problems for the National Security Agency and wrote his M.A. Mathematics thesis on mathematical music theory.

James Palmer

Piano

Learn more

Dr. James Palmer is a dynamic pianist based in Houston, Texas.  His wide-ranging musical appetite has led to a diverse performing career, comprising traditional recital performances, chamber performances, and innovative projects featuring new music. This season he gives solo recitals in Houston and Philadelphia and appears in a faculty recital at Rice University.

 Dr. Palmer is a Lecturer at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. He is the lead instructor for AFA Texas’s Summer Piano Intensive and sits on the Executive Board of the Scriabin Society of America.

 Dr. Palmer holds his DMA from Rice University and MM and BM degrees from Indiana University. His teachers have included Dr. Robert Roux, Emile Naoumoff, and Menahem Pressler.

Eliza Reimold

Clarinet

Learn more

Eliza Reimold, clarinetist from Boxford, Massachusetts, is pursuing her Master of Music at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music under Richard Hawley. She earned her Bachelor of Music at the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Michael Wayne and performed with Musica Nova, OSSIA New Music Ensemble, Eastman Harmonie, and the Lyra Winds woodwind quintet, engaging in outreach performances throughout Rochester. She has appeared as a fellow at Music Academy of the West, Round Top Festival Institute, and the National Orchestral Institute. Eliza is passionate about using music as a tool for storytelling, building community, and fostering connection. 

Tashiah Rodgers

Jazz Voice

Learn more

Born and raised in Houston, Tasiah Rodgers is a jazz vocalist and writer with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a minor in Jazz Studies from Texas Southern University. She served as the premier jazz vocalist for Texas Southern University at the 2022 Monterey Jazz Festival. Ms. Rodgers has seven years of experience in child music education and curriculum development, including developing her own. Tasiah’s community involvement includes curating fine arts events and performing at historic Houston venues such as Eldorado Ballroom, Miller Outdoor Theatre, The Museum of Fine Arts, Cultural Arts Museum Houston, Project Row Houses, and more. Currently, Tasiah is expanding her reach as a songwriter through her membership in WITS (Writers in The Schools) and Sofar Sounds. Tasiah’s future endeavors include curating more of her own performances/shows, growing in music education, and community outreach through various music practices.

Adam Sadberry

Flute

Learn more

Named to The Washington Post’s “23 for ’23,” flutist Adam W. Sadberry is known nationally for his dynamic artistry and citizenship. He has performed and given multifaceted residencies through The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music, the Hollywood Bowl, and more.

Adam carries the legacy of his late grandfather and Civil Rights Movement hero, L. Alex Wilson. This season, Adam gives the world premiere of Waves of Voice, a flute concerto written in honor of Wilson by the Cleveland Orchestra Composition Fellow, Tyler Taylor.

Adam is represented by Concert Artists Guild and received his Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music. This season also sees the launch of his podcast, Sound Encouragement.

Samantha St. John

Double Bass

Learn more
Samantha St. John is a dedicated educator, student, and performer across multiple genres. Her frequent performance opportunities in a diverse range of settings highlight her versatility, collaborative efforts, and community engagement. Samantha earned her Undergraduate degree from Rice University studying under the tutelage of Paul Ellison, and is pursuing her Masters at the same institution. Her efforts as a dual teacher and performer are reflected in her work. Samantha is a bass instructor across numerous HISD schools, a performer with MUSIQA Houston and Houston Bach Society, and a part of the DACAMERA Young Artist Program. Most recently, Samantha attended the Music Academy of the West in 2025 as a String Leadership Fellow studying with Alex Hannah, Hal Robinson and Scott Pingel.

Felix Veser

Viola

Learn more

Violist Felix Veser is an artist committed to engaging a variety of audiences across backgrounds. His performances have taken him to venues ranging from Carnegie Hall and the Palau de la Música Catalana, to Grafton Correctional Institution in Ohio and City of Asylum in Pittsburgh. A passionate advocate for new music and a dedicated chamber musician, he has performed with members of the International Contemporary Ensemble and the Pacifica and Cavani Quartets. 

Felix is pursuing his Master’s Degree in Viola Performance at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music,  studying with James Dunham. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance as a student of Peter Slowik and a Bachelor of Arts, studying politics and philosophy, from Oberlin College and Conservatory.

Jaylin Vinson

Composer

Learn more

Jaylin Vinson is a composer whose music is described as “an awakening” (Sioux City Journal), marked by “insatiable curiosity” (Heifetz Institute) and “bold and compelling” (DC Theater Arts). His works were performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and across the U.S. by ensembles including the New York Youth Symphony, the U.S. Navy Band, and Apollo Chamber Players. Recent projects include Future of Dreams, a chamber opera commissioned by Washington National Opera (2025), and Dark Matter, an Afrofuturistic flute concerto featuring acclaimed flutist Tyler Martin in collaboration with the KINETIC Ensemble. Vinson has a Bachelor of Music in composition from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. 

Emma Kent Wine

Composer

Learn more

Emma Kent Wine is a nationally recognized composer whose music “testifies to wonder, vitality, sagacity, and nostalgia through profound simplicity” (The Boston Musical Intelligencer). Her music has been performed across the United States and internationally in Berlin, Valencia, and Nova Scotia. She has received commissions from Musiqa, Juventas New Music Ensemble, Clemson Cantorei, Ars Lyrica Houston, and Apollo Chamber Players, among others. She has taught composition and songwriting classes with Houston Grand Opera, AFA, and pARTnerschools. In addition, she is the Orchestra Manager at the Houston Ballet and a board member for Loop38. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Wine holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music.

Sean Terada Yang

Piano

Learn more

Sean Terada Yang is an internationally active pianist and chamber musician. Sean made his concerto debut at the age of 16 and has performed with the Nashville, Chautauqua, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee All-State orchestras. He has recently earned top prizes at the Seattle International and National Federation of Music Clubs competitions. His solo and collaborative performances have connected him with audiences across the US, Canada, Germany, Spain, and Japan in the past year.

Sean studied piano and neuroscience in his undergraduate at Vanderbilt, and he earned MMs in Piano and Chamber Music at the University of Michigan. He is at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music for his DMA while participating in biomechanics research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

SUPPORT DACAMERA

Your donation supports our distinctive programming and our wide-ranging community initiatives. 

LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH.

Sign up for DACAMERA emails and be among the first to know about on sale dates, upcoming concerts and more. Text DACAMERA to 346-440-4545 for occasional event announcements and special offers.