The Trenton Chamber Orchestra (TCO) was established in 2022 as the premier ensemble within Trenton Music Makers, showcasing our most advanced students. TCO members are not only proficient musicians with strong practice habits; they also serve as role models and ambassadors for Capital Harmony Works. This year, TCO students participated in master classes with musicians from the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. We had the privilege to host Dr. Timothy Schwartz, violin professor at Rowan University and the London College of Music who visited our site and worked with our students. Besides master classes, our students had the opportunity to perform in various venues such as the Patriot’s Theater at War Memorial in Trenton and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center performing alongside students from El Sistema New Jersey Alliance programs. Trenton Music Makers admitted Cindy Lorenzana into their pre-college program a couple years ago. During the 24-25 academic year, Cindy completely immersed herself into her performance practice and music making having already graduated from Trenton Central High School. Cindy presented auditions during the winter seasons to competitive music schools nation-wide such as the UNT College of Music. Peabody Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, West Chester University or Temple University. Ultimately Cindy committed to Rowan University on a full scholarship. The Trenton Music Makers Pre-College Program also had Cindy be part of the every day teaching staff, allowing her to develop her pedagogy skills by having her own viola studio.
Meet our Artistic Director, Melissa Niño
A Venezuela native, Melissa grew up with the renowned music method originated in Venezuela El Sistema. At the age of 6, she was selected by Professor Emil Friedman to join the prestigious school Colegio Emil Friedman in which she was trained in violin, chamber music and orchestra. She participated at the Juan Bautista Plaza violin competition at the age of 14 and is a former member of the Virtuosis de Caracas ensemble. Melissa is an alumni of the world recognized institution Interlochen Centre for the Arts in Michigan, USA and a former member of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and The World Orchestra. A graduate of Indiana University South Bend and Arizona State University, she is the founder of the TrèsFemme Trio, a chamber music ensemble that performed unknown compositions by women composers that debuted in the Veranos de la Villa Festival in Spain. Apart from the classical world, Melissa has collaborated with artists from other genres such as BB King, Marc Anthony, The Monomes among others. In addition to performing, Melissa has a remarkable pedagogical career teaching violin, chamber music and orchestra in countries including USA, Spain, Singapore and Hong Kong. Niño is the Co-founder of El Sistema Hong Kong and is also one of the first El Sistema inspired educators to launch an orchestra program for the elderly population of Hong Kong.
"TMM is amazing, I love it. They teach us a lot and the teachers tell me to keep going. A lot of people help you while learning."
-Levi, first-year percussion student
CAPITAL HARMONY WORKS | ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25
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