The department is excited to announce the Class of 2026 Kenan Music Scholars! These four musicians come from both close and far with so much talent. Get to know more about Gilda Ferrie, Laura Garcia, Victoria Song, and Benny Yang down below.
Gilda Ferrie is a first-year violinist from Melbourne, Australia. She is the recipient of numerous accolades and awards that have given her the opportunity to perform around the world. Highlights include performances at Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London. From 2019 to 2021, she served as the concertmaster for The Melbourne String Ensemble, and has participated in two European tours. At UNC, Gilda will be double majoring in music and business while learning under the tutelage of Dr. DiEugenio.
Laura Garcia is a first-year saxophonist from Hillsborough, North Carolina. She began studying the piano in 6th grade, and previously studied with former UNC saxophone lecturer, Matthew McClure. Laura was an active participant in different ensembles including The N.C. Central-District Band, N.C. All-State Band, North Carolina Youth Wind Ensemble, and more. In addition to this, she served as the Head Drum Major in marching band during her junior and senior years of high school. At UNC, Laura will be pursuing a Music Education degree.
Victoria SongĀ is a first-year classical singer from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She began her studies at age 14 under the guidance of Jiang Yang with a focus on Chinese opera. Before she moved to Chapel Hill, Victoria grew up in China, and was showcased on the China Central Television from the young age of 8. In high school, Victoria was an active member in her school’s music society, and participated in the NCMEA HS Honors Chorus and the Tri-M music honors society.
Benny Yang is a first-year pianist from Cary, North Carolina. He began playing at age six, and studied primarily under Julia Tsien and Angela Mitchell-Simonson. Benny is the recipient of numerous awards from different competitions, including the American Protege Piano and Strings Competition where he made his Carnegie Hall debut at age 14. At UNC, Benny will be pursuing a double major in Music and English. He is currently studying under the tutelage of Dr. Clara Yang.