Meet the Graduates: Celebrating the Class of 2026
As our largest graduating class in more than a decade prepares to move on to new opportunities, we’re celebrating the talent, leadership, and spirit they have brought to our Choir community.
This year, thirteen graduating seniors are preparing to take their next steps beyond the San Diego Children’s Choir. Over the years, these students have grown from into confident leaders, mentors, and accomplished musicians. They have shared unforgettable experiences on stage and beyond, represented our Choir in communities near and far, and helped shape the culture of our organization through their dedication, enthusiasm, and friendship.
As they prepare to embark on new adventures in college and beyond, we are proud to recognize all they have accomplished and the lasting impact they have made on our Choir family. Their voices have helped tell our story, and their contributions will continue to resonate long after their final performance as choristers.
Read on to meet the extraordinary members of the Class of 2026 and learn where their next journey will take them.
2026 Graduates perform “Thank you for the Music” Andersson and Ulvaeus (ABBA)
Arr. Kirby Shaw at SDCC’s 36th Annual Spring Concert on 6/1/25 at Jacobs Music Center
SENIOR BIOS
BAILEY GRACE BOLTZ has been part of the San Diego Children’s Choir since she was seven years old (12 years). Her favorite thing about performing with the choir has been the diversity of the repertoire and cultures these beautiful pieces come from. The skills she has developed in her roll as assistant conductor will be indispensable as she attends Point Loma Nazarene University to pursue Music Education in the hope of becoming a choir director herself.
KANI CHEE has been with the Choir since 2022 (five years). A highlight was getting to explore New York City while on tour. This fall, she will be studying nanoengineering at Olin College of
Engineering in MASS, with a possible minor in theatre.
ZOEY ESPIRITU has been in the Choir for eight years. She fondly remembers spontaneously singing ‘Lean On Me’ with her friends in the airport (her second favorite memory was when Mrs. Millgard called her “lowkey a weirdo”). This fall, Zoey will be studying Applied Mathematics at UC Davis.
MICHAEL HOAG has been with the Choir for two years. A favorite memory is the Summer Chamber Choir Retreat. He will attend San Diego State University, majoring in Music B.A. with focuses in vocal performance, composition and business track.
ANU JITH has been with the Choir for the past year, and it has been such a fun and meaningful experience for her. One of her favorite parts of choir was talking and laughing with friends during breaks and learning new songs together. This fall, Anu will be attending CSU Northridge, majoring in public health with a minor in business management, and is looking forward to staying involved in music.
CHANNING KIM has been with the Choir for 12 years. A favorite memory was her first Summer Tour to New Orleans, singing with friends on the bus and dancing the nights away. This fall, she will be attending UC Berkeley to major in film and media studies.
ESTHER LAM has been with the Choir for four years. Her favorite memories include the Mass in B minor with the San Diego Bach Collegium and singing alongside Aoife O'Donovan for her All My Friends album. This fall, she will be studying STEM in college.
ALEXANDER LEE has been with the Choir for 11 years. He has enjoyed many different trips performing in San Diego, Austria, and New York. This fall, he will be going to UC Santa Cruz to study C.S. Video Game Design.
AUDREY LEUNG joined the choir in her junior year and has enjoyed meeting new people and learning how to sing in a group. This fall, she looks forward to exploring her academic path in college and is ready to journey through life's ups and downs.
ENOLA PRESTON-SMITH has been in the Choir for four years. A favorite memory was the secret santa exchanges backstage during winter concerts. This fall, she will be studying Environmental Sciences at UC Santa Cruz.
SAYA SCHMITIGAL has been with the Choir for 10 years. One of her favorite memories is getting to know new choristers every year at retreat through late-night talks and karaoke sessions. This fall, Saya will be studying Chemical Engineering at UC Berkeley.
NAISHA THOMRE has been with the Choir for 5 years. A favorite memory is the 2025 New York summer tour, and getting to work with international choirs and perform at one of the world's most recognized stages. This fall, she will attend San Jose State University to study aerospace and interdisciplinary engineering.
ANABEL WEINSTEIN has been with the Choir for 11 years. While she can’t choose one favorite memory, some highlights include late-night bus karaoke on tour, annual paper plate signing at fall retreats, and spontaneous singing of barbershop tags. This fall, she will be studying physics and computer science at Stanford and is excited to join a Stanford choir or a cappella group, too!
To our graduating seniors: thank you for the music, memories, and leadership you have shared with us. Watching you grow has been a privilege, and we are excited to see all that you will achieve in the years ahead.
From everyone at the San Diego Children’s Choir, congratulations, Class of 2026! We wish you success, joy, and new opportunities wherever life leads. Remember that you will always be part of the SDCC family, and we look forward to welcoming you back as alumni at future performances and celebrations.