The department is proud to welcome the four incoming Kenan Music Scholars Luke Coker, Kendall Gonzales, Zara Tekmen, and Marni Weinreb! These four students come to UNC from across North Carolina. Their primary areas of musical interest are composition (Luke Coker), cello (Kendall Gonzales), trombone (Zara Tekmen), and bassoon (Marni Weinreb).
Learn more about these new Tar Heels and what drew them to Chapel Hill below!
Luke Coker, composition
“I’m excited to attend UNC not only for the experience of studying music within the intellectually stimulating context of the world-class research university and liberal arts college, but also because the vibrancy and warmth on campus has led me to feel welcomed and energized every time I have visited. I eagerly await the chance to learn from the many talented and knowledgeable people at UNC, and to contribute my own creative voice to the Carolina community. Go Heels!”
Luke Coker is a first-year student from Burlington, North Carolina. He began cello lessons at the age of 3, and started teaching himself to compose at age 4. His compositions first emerged while improvising alongside his father’s stories and eventually erupted into profound personal expressions during the 2020 lockdown. Coker’s captivating musical narratives have been praised for their “drama and intensity” and “faultless orchestration.” Many of his compositions have been performed publicly and recorded, including the 2023 premiere of Hail and Fire by a full symphonic orchestra at the Brevard Music Festival. Coker is also active as a cellist, having performed in the North Carolina All-State Honors Orchestra, Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Western Regional Honors Orchestra. In Summer 2024, Coker was accepted to attend the Cremona International Music Academy in Cremona, Italy, where he studied cello and composition. In addition to his creative work, Coker is committed to the betterment of his community through music. He volunteered to teach elementary orchestra students and raised funds for his high school orchestra by organizing and performing in recitals at local churches. Coker is a member of Honors Carolina.
Kendall Gonzales, cello
“I chose the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill because I am able to pursue my academic interests and continue my studies of classical music at the collegiate level. UNC provides a supportive and collaborative environment where I am best able to balance all of my interests. At UNC there are no limits to what I can explore. I’m excited for my first year, and the upcoming UNC Symphony Orchestra cycle!”
Kendall Gonzales is a first-year student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill majoring in music with plans to double minor in biology and business of health. She first began playing cello at the age of two with the Suzuki Method, and started piano when she was seven. She attended the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program for three years majoringing in classical cello and was the proud principal of their symphony. Outside of school, Kendall loves fencing, reading fiction and spending time with friends and family.
Zara Tekmen, trombone
“I knew I wanted to come to UNC after my audition for the Kenan Music Scholarship. The students and professors I met were friendly, smart, interesting, and people I knew I wanted to be surrounded by for the next 4 years. I’m most excited to work alongside them and establish connections that will last a lifetime.”
Zara Tekmen is from Raleigh, North Carolina, and is a first-year student at UNC Chapel Hill. She first began her musical journey taking piano lessons at six years old, and has since pursued the trombone through various ensembles, competitions, and private instruction, studying primarily under Lisa Burn throughout middle and high school. She has had the honor of participating in the N.C All-State Wind Ensemble, N.C. All-State Jazz Band, Music for All National Honor Band, Triangle Youth Watson Brass Band, and the Enloe High School Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ambassadors, where she was recognized with the Outstanding Musicianship award. Zara also attended North Carolina Governor’s School East for Instrumental Music during the summer of 2022. Zara is double majoring in Computer Science and Music, studying with Professor Michael Kris.
Marni Weinreb, bassoon
“I chose to come to Carolina because of the opportunity to pursue both of my passions for science and music, and because of the amazing environment, energy, and community that Carolina offers. I am looking forward to all of the opportunities to perform as a musician, along with the feeling of being a Tar Heel and having a place in such a great community.”
Marni Weinreb is from Raleigh, North Carolina, and is a first-year at UNC Chapel Hill pursuing a double major in biology and music. Marni began playing the piano at the age of four, and at the end of her fourth grade year, she began studying the bassoon privately under Dr. Jessica Kunttu (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill). Throughout her musical journey, Marni developed a passion for orchestra, appearing as Principal Bassoon of the University of North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, the Triangle Youth Philharmonic, the NC Governor’s School West Orchestra, and the Raleigh Civic Chamber Orchestra. Marni has also been part of various chamber groups and festivals, including the NCCMI Woodwind Quintet, the Chapel Hill Chamber Workshop, the Saarburg Music Festival, and leading the Triangle Youth Woodwind Quintet. Marni has been part of her school music program since the third grade, appearing in All-District and All-State Honor Bands and actively participating in the Tri-M Music Honors Society. Marni is honored to receive the Kenan Music Scholarship at UNC Chapel Hill where she can simultaneously pursue her interests in science and music.