Elisa Cheng
Potomac,MD
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Clarinet
Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra Philharmonic Orchestra
09.2025 - 05.2026
- · Performed as principal clarinetist.
- · Performed solo Tchaikovsky Suite from The Nutcracker Op. 71 Waltz of the Flowers.
- · Contributed to ensemble sound and support section in rehearsals and concerts.
Principal Clarinet
Chinese Orchestra for Duke Tang Solo Concert
09.2025 - 11.2025
- · Participating member; Principal Clarinet.
- · Performed solo The Childhood Memory.
- · Led clarinet section, guiding peers in phrasing, balance, and intonation during rehearsals.
Principal Clarinet
Carnegie Mellon Pre-college Wind Ensemble and Orchestra
06.2025 - 08.2025
- · Performed intensively with peers, refining ensemble blend and leadership skills.
- · Performed solo Wind Serenade in E-flat Major, Op. 7 by Richard Strauss.
- · Performed advanced repertoire and collaborated with peers in rigorous training.
- · Performed solo Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88 4th Movement by Antonin Dvorak.
Clarinet
Carnegie Mellon Pre-college Chamber Music
06.2025 - 08.2025
- · Performed intensively with peers, refining ensemble blend.
- · Performed A Something in a Summer’s Day by Nancy Garlbraith.
2nd Clarinet Leader
Montgomery County Senior Honors Band
02.2025 - 03.2025
- · Collaborated with peers under renowned conductors.
- · Selected through competitive audition to perform in county-wide ensemble.
Principal Clarinet
Lunar New Year Gala Orchestra
12.2024 - 12.2024
- · Bridged Chinese and Western traditions by arranging and performing Chinese folk songs with symphony orchestra.
Principal Clarinet
Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra Clarinet Choir
09.2023 - 06.2024
- · Performed Fantasia and Rondo at Strathmore Music Center.
- · Collaborated with clarinet section to refine intonation and ensemble blend.
- · Collaborated with peers at multiple schools to produce special issues.
Second Clarinet 1st Chair
Winston Churchill High School Symphony Band
09.2023 - 06.2024
- · Performed the The Ascension by Robert W. Smith and Jurassic Park Soundtrack Highlights by John Williams
1st Clarinet Section
Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble
09.2023 - 05.2024
- · Served as First Clarinet Section in Wind Ensemble, leading section rehearsals.
- · Mastered advanced repertoire, including John Mackey’s Sun Dance.
Principal Clarinet
Winston Churchill High School Symphonic Band
09.2022 - 06.2023
- · Performed the The Ten Commandments by Elmer Bernstein
Education
High School Diploma -
Winston Churchill High School
Potomac06-2026
No Degree - Music Pre College Program
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA08.2025
Skills
- Ensembles
- Chamber
- Solo Performance
- Musical Interpretation
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
Accomplishments
- 2025-05 4th place American Youth Talent International Music Competition
- 2025-07 Finalist, Medici International Music Competition
- 2025-11 3rd place International Woodwinds and Brass Competition, Carnegie Hall
- 2025-03 2nd place PVYO Competition
- 2025-08 CMU Pre-College Honors Instrumental Recital
- 2025-09 PVYO Philharmonic Orchestra Principal Clarinet
- 2016-08 China Conservatory of Music Graded Examinations Level 8
- 2025-06 Tri-M Music Honor Society
Timeline
Principal Clarinet
Chinese Orchestra for Duke Tang Solo Concert
09.2025 - 11.2025
Principal Clarinet
Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra Philharmonic Orchestra
09.2025 - 05.2026
Principal Clarinet
Carnegie Mellon Pre-college Wind Ensemble and Orchestra
06.2025 - 08.2025
Clarinet
Carnegie Mellon Pre-college Chamber Music
06.2025 - 08.2025
2nd Clarinet Leader
Montgomery County Senior Honors Band
02.2025 - 03.2025
Principal Clarinet
Lunar New Year Gala Orchestra
12.2024 - 12.2024
Second Clarinet 1st Chair
Winston Churchill High School Symphony Band
09.2023 - 06.2024
Principal Clarinet
Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra Clarinet Choir
09.2023 - 06.2024
1st Clarinet Section
Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble
09.2023 - 05.2024
Principal Clarinet
Winston Churchill High School Symphonic Band
09.2022 - 06.2023
High School Diploma -
Winston Churchill High School
No Degree - Music Pre College Program
Carnegie Mellon University
Orchestra Concerts
- Symphony No.8 in G Major,Op.88– Antonin Dvorak
- Finlandia – Jean Sibelius
- Nutcracker Suite,Op.71a – Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- Serenade – Richard Strauss
- Symphony No.8 B Minor- Franz Schubert
Solo Performances
- 2025-03 Happy Fantasia – Thomas H. Rollinson, Concert 1
- 2024-02 Rhapsodie – Giacomo Miluccio, Concert 2
- 2024-05 Fantaisie – Phillippe Gaubert, Concert 3
- 2024-08 Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K.622 – Wolfgang Amaeus Mozart, Concert 4
- 2025-08 Carnevale Di Venezia – Capriccio Variato, Concert 5
- 2023-08 2025-07 Adagio E Tarantella – Ernesto Cavallini, Concert 6
- 2025-05 Introduction, Theme and Variations - Gioachino Rossini
- 2025-05 Clarinet Concertino in E-flat Major, Op.26 - Carl Maria von Weber