Graduating Artist Feature: Mandy Jiang

“By the end of middle school, I knew I wanted to become a music educator because I developed this passion for teaching and see that as my calling in life.”

Mandy’s formative years were spent at the Community Music Scholars Program (CMSP) at Temple Music Prep and the All City Orchestra. “My school music teachers, Ms. Eleanor Heisey, Ms. Ashley Vines ad Mr. Benjamin Blazer, were influential and important people to me.”

Since joining PMAY in 2021, Mandy studied with Ms. Dara Morales as part of the Philadelphia Ochestra All City Fellowship program and participates in Philadelphia Sinfonia and Project 440’s Youth Advisory Council. “Ms. Morales has been a lifesaver. She would always meet me where I was, establish my foundation before pushing me with college repertoire.”

Even though Mandy had to navigate a challenging school load at Central High, she found time and space to volunteer and participate in leadership activities throughout high school. “One of the best things about being in PMAY is the community and friends who are also wonderful musicians, who push one another to be better musicians. I’m thankful for all the performance opportunities and resources that allowed me to pursue my interests.”

Reflecting back, the college audition process ended up being fun for Mandy. She travelled with friends to several auditions, had the opportunity to have lessons with various college professors and met with PMAY alumni at their respective colleges. Mandy’s advice is not to underestimate how busy you can get in your senior year and to make sure you start your college research early. She wants to make the classical music world more welcoming and open to new ideas. Mandy will be attending Syracuse University to major in music on a full scholarship in the fall of 2024.