Arts Academy Students Perform at National Festivals

Five students from Riverside Arts Academy performed alongside the nation's top young musicians at the Los Angeles Philharmonic's YOLA National Festival this week, while the academy's mariachi ensemble competed at the 2025 Mariachi Nationals.

The students were Jakob Saffi (oboe), Liam Membreno (violin), Tobias Membreno (viola), Jasmine Yang (violin) and Donnie Vasquez (percussion). They were selected through a competitive national audition process to join about 180 musicians at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The week-long festival was led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel.

"Seeing our students stand alongside the nation's finest young musicians is a moment of pride for all of Riverside," said Adam Karelin, the academy's executive and artistic director. "Their presence at YNF proves that Riverside musicians belong on the world's most distinguished stages."

The academy's Mariachi Campana de Riverside also performed at the 2025 Mariachi Nationals, with travel costs covered by community donations.

"The love for mariachi music is spreading beautifully here in Riverside, and our students are leading the way," said Alex Treviño II, head of mariachi programs.

Riverside Arts Academy, a nonprofit serving students across the Inland Empire, is currently enrolling students in grades 2-12 for its fall programs. The enrollment deadline is Aug. 31.

The academy offers orchestra, mariachi, choir, band and guitar programs, with 97% of students receiving financial assistance.

More Information: Visit riversideartsacademy.com for details about enrollment.