Artistic Director
Dr. Adán Alejándro Fernández is the director of music and organist at Holy Family Catholic Church in Glendale. He is also an adjunct professor and university organist at California Lutheran University and instructor for the National Children’s Chorus. He has been a conducting fellow for festivals including the Los Angeles Conducting Institute at Caltech and the Choral Conducting Symposium at the University of Illinois. Dr. Fernández studied piano at Azusa Pacific University, organ at the Claremont Graduate University, and Sacred music and Conducting at the University of Southern California. Please check out hfglendale.org/music for information on his music ministry.
Associate Artistic Director
Dr. Michael Kallin is a multifaceted musician whose abilities and interests extend to a variety of artistic contexts. As a trumpet player, Dr. Kallin has performed internationally and in many different styles as well as recording for film and television. In addition to his work as a player, he maintains a private trumpet studio, has given masterclasses, and taught group classes. Dr. Kallin also offers his talents as an orchestrator in the Hollywood studios, working closely with many of the industry’s top talents.
leadership Staff
Carmelo Xavier Ramirez Geron co-founded the Glendale Youth Symphony back in 2018, when it was originally considered the Holy Family Chamber Orchestra. Throughout the years, he was a trumpet player for GYS and currently serves as the orchestra manager. He was very involved in music in high school, as he was a section leader in the concert band, a performer in the jazz band, and the drum major for the fall 2021 football season. Outside of his high school career, he was a member of the Glendale Community College Latin jazz band and pep band. During his free time, he enjoys volunteering with local organizations like the American Red Cross and hanging out with friends and family.
As of right now, Carmelo is a student at the University of Southern California. He is obtaining two degrees in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology in the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies in the Keck School of Medicine. He continues to make music his hobby when he performs in the USC Trojan Marching Band and Basketball Band.
If you need any assistance regarding registration and program details, feel free to contact him!
Mari Brielle Mailed co-founded the Glendale Youth Symphony with Carmelo in 2018. She was a violinist up until 2021, when she began working as the organization’s secretary. Her contributions include documenting meetings, organizing files, and connecting aspiring musicians with professionals. Along with working as the GYS secretary, she was also involved in her high school when she was the coding club president, the Esports club vice president and the American Red Cross secretary.
Currently, she is a student at the University of California, Los Angeles, majoring in neuroscience and minoring in anthropology. She made a lot of connections through many clubs and events like Pilipinos in Engineering and Sciences (PIES) and the UCLA Samahang Pilipino Culture Night. Brielle is also a devout Catholic and enjoys talking to other people about her faith in UCLA’s Kawan. She integrated her musical passions when she brought music to her university’s first Simbang Gabi. With Brielle’s deep involvement, she became the Activities Coordinator for PIES and Co-Director for Kawan.
Outside of GYS and UCLA, Brielle loves to crochet and edit videos. If she had the chance, she would learn K-Pop on the violin. She also loves to hang out with her friends and family on walks and at karaoke.
Gabrielle Arreglo has been involved with the Glendale Youth Symphony since her eighth grade year and has served as the concertmaster. Outside of GYS, she was heavily involved with her high school’s music program. She was also the 2022 Concerto Competition winner in her high school. In addition to serving as her high school’s symphonic concertmaster, she participated in the marching band’s front ensemble.
Not only was she proactive in her high school’s music program, but she extended her interests in music when she became involved in the Holy Family Music Ministry with Dr. Fernandez. From there, she was fascinated by exploring her Catholic faith and sacred music. Outside of music, she loves to play word games and spend time on the beach with her friends and family.
Gabrielle is currently a student at the University of California, Los Angeles, majoring in biology on the pre-med track. Aside from helping GYS, she will be involved in her university’s cultural and academic programs.
Paolo Miguel Samson joined GYS in 2018 as a violist and currently works as the organization’s ambassador. He was involved with his high school’s music program. In addition to being a violist in his high school’s symphonic orchestra, he plays mallets for the marching band’s front ensemble. He received recognition for outstanding musicianship and leadership when he became a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Outside of music, he was a member of Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA) and the American Red Cross. He also likes to spend time walking and listening to LoFi with his friends.
Paolo is now a student at Riverside City College, pursuing a degree in nursing.
Meghan Piker is a violist, and she currently works as the social media manager for GYS. She joined GYS in 2018 and served as the viola section leader. During her high school years, she served as the section leader for Glendale High School’s symphonic orchestra. She is also the principal violist in the Glendale Youth Orchestra. Meghan also deepened her involvement with music when she performed at numerous church events and weddings. Aside from music, she enjoys learning new recipes and exploring nature spots.
Meghan Piker is currently a student at Santa Monica College, obtaining a degree in International Relations, and hopes to pursue a minor in music.
Hajime Araki is a recent graduate from Glendale High School. Throughout his high school career, he was involved in his high school’s music department. He was a tenor saxophone player and section leader in his marching band. Eventually, he led the fall 2022 marching band when he served as the drum major for that season. He also plays for the Glendale High Jazz Band and Symphonic Orchestra. Outside of high school, he was also a member of the Glendale Community College big band. Hajime was recognized for his musical accomplishments as the high school Concerto winner in 2023 and a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
He participated in GYS in fall 2019 and works as the orchestral administrator. Hajime’s contributions helped many woodwind players develop better technique and musicality. Outside of music, he enjoys playing video games like Valorant and Overwatch 2 with his friends.
He is currently a student at Glendale Community College, obtaining a degree in music, and is also in the process of auditioning for Drum Corps International.