Artistic Director
Artistic Director
director@glendaleyouthsymphony.org
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.
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.