BY JOYCE ANN GUZIK
Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra
The Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra awarded five scholarships to Los Alamos High School Seniors in 2025. These scholarships recognize seniors who have demonstrated exceptional interest and accomplishments in music. The student must attend Los Alamos High School or live vin Los Alamos County. The scholarships are intended to encourage the recipients to continue their musical activities, regardless of whether they pursue music as a career. Four of these scholarships were made possible by donations in memory of LASO members who have passed away in recent years. The Los Alamos Symphony Scholarship is funded by audience and member donations.

Xiaran Jonathan Chen (violin) was awarded the Jackie MacFarlane Scholarship ($1000), given in memory of long-time LASO violinist Jackie MacFarlane, who passed away November 25, 2024. Jonathan has played violin for 9 years, including four years in the Los Alamos High School Symphonic Strings Orchestra, serving as concertmaster in February 2025. He has won seats at All State Music Festivals for the past three years. Jonathan has also performed with chamber music ensembles for many private events and charity fund-raisers. Jonathan will pursue a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University, where he intends to join the student orchestra. Jonathan extends heartfelt gratitude to his parents for their unwavering support, Mrs. Michelle Rosette for her mentorship since his inaugural lesson, and his violin instructor Mr. Janosch Armer. Reflecting on his journey, he finds resonance in Carl Jung’s words: “The unexpected and the incredible belong in this world. Only then is life whole.”

Annabelle Rosette (cello) was awarded the Rosemary O’Connor scholarship ($500). Annabelle plays and leads cello sectionals for the Los Alamos High School Symphonic Strings. Annabelle won a position at All State for three years, including being seated as first chair in her senior year, and playing several solos. She often performs in chamber ensembles and has organized performances for charity fund-raising events. She also teaches cello lessons. Annabelle will attend the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, majoring in international relations and minoring in Spanish. Annabelle writes, “Looking ahead, music will continue to play an essential role in my life, whether as a performer, educator, or advocate. I plan to continue developing my own musical skills as well as helping other young musicians do the same. I will most definitely continue playing in an orchestra in college, as it is part of who I am.”

Claire Bullock (cello) was awarded the Margaret ‘Meg’ Neher scholarship ($500). Claire played cello with the Los Alamos High School Orchestra and the Santa Fe Youth Symphony, as well as playing for recitals and many community events. Claire will be attending the University of Denver, majoring in psychology. Claire writes, “I plan on continuing to play cello while in college and I am very excited to continue my musical journey.”

Miles Iverson (percussion) was awarded the Jane Gerheart scholarship ($500). Miles was the Front Section Leader for the LAHS Marching Band for three years and participated in the Los Alamos Jazz Project. He was the only percussionist for the pit orchestra of the 2024 LAHS Frozen musical, responsible for 15 different instruments, and he also played in the pit orchestra for the 2025 LAHS production of the Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Miles will be attending Colorado State University, pursuing a degree in Engineering. Miles writes, “I plan to participate in the marching band in the fall and, once the season is over, I wish to participate in a jazz ensemble playing the vibraphone.”

Anna Jacobson (bass) was awarded the Los Alamos Symphony Scholarship ($500). Anna has played with the Santa Fe Youth Symphony, the Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra, and the local Jazz Project, and earned three All State qualifications. She has also taught four private students. Anna will start an undergrad pre-law degree combination of political science and criminology at the University of New Mexico. She will join the student symphony and continue studies with her current UNM bass teacher, Mr. Albert Lazslo. Anna writes, “Music will always sustain me. My musical role model is bassist Orin O’Brian. She was the first woman to join the New York Philharmonic. I love the way she describes the role of the bass section as ‘the floor under the orchestra’. That is exactly how I feel about my big, beautiful instrument and my section mates. We are here, way in the back, to provide solid support for the entire orchestra. I have never craved the role as a soloist, and I have loved my mellow and kind friends in the LASO bass section more than any other group I have played with.”
In addition to the music scholarships, in 2025 LASO presented three $50 awards to Los Alamos County Science Fair participants Helena Welch, Alice Altschuler, and Arwen Bishofberger for projects involving music or sound.
Members of the public interested in helping fund the LASO Scholarships may send a check, payable to LASO, to PO Box 613, Los Alamos, NM 87544. You may also donate via PayPal or credit card at the web site: https://losalamossymphony.org/index.php/donate.
The Los Alamos Symphony is always looking for new members and players—if you are interested, please contact us at: secretary@losalamossymphony.org.

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