Student Spotlight (Academic Year 2024-25)

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Anju Advani is a junior at Oakton High School. She has been studying voice for six years and training with Peggy for two. Anju frequently participates in studio workshops, recitals, and competitions sponsored by the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association. 

This young student has been playing piano for ten years. Throughout the pandemic, Anju taught herself how to play the ukulele. Now she loves to find new ways to accompany her singing.

In addition to singing, Anju has engaged in Kathak (Indian classical dance) for seven years. She has completed her diploma through a regional academy of affiliation with the University of Pune, which has contributed to her enthusiasm for the arts. Outside of her passion for music, she is president of her school’s debate club, women’s empowerment club, and Asian American student association.

Ellie is a senior at Langley High School, where she plays violin in the Langley Philharmonic Orchestra and studies AP music. Last year she participated in the chorus at Langley High School and was selected for All-District Choir. In her sophomore year she played the character Ellie in Langley’s production of Freaky Friday. 

Ellie has performed at our spring voice workshop and the end-of-summer sing. She also sings in her church choir.

This past summer she participated with international students in a conference hosted by “Operation Smile” in Lima, Peru. 

Adora is an 8th grader at The Potomac School in McLean, where she is part of the intermediate school chorus. She began lessons with Peggy in the summer of 2023 upon returning from Stagedoor Manor Theater Camp in New York. During her time at Stagedoor she was cast in her first musical, Singing in the Rain. Recently Adora performed in the musical The Little Mermaid, Jr., through Rock Ridge Performing Arts in Ashburn, Virginia.

In addition to musical theater, Adora enjoys modeling and playing team sports at school, to include basketball and field hockey. She is also an avid golfer, having competed in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship several years in a row.