Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings Grand Champion 2026 National Orchestra Festival
Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings has been named Grand Champion in their division at the 2026 National Orchestra Festival hosted by the American String Teachers Association at their annual conference in San Francisco, CA.
Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings (PSSS) is composed of students in grades 6-9, hailing from more than 30 schools in Southern California. PSSS is now in its 35th season and is led by music director Dr. Johanna Gamboa-Kroesen. You can read more about the ensemble here.
PSSS took the top honors competing against ten other middle school orchestras from across the country. The students gave a phenomenal performance, with the adjudicators—all nationally recognized string pedagogues—singing their praises.
With regard to musicianship, one adjudicator said, “It was very clear that each member of the ensemble was contributing musically to every piece performed. It was such a treat to see how many students really enjoyed their performance. This speaks to the comfort and safety that the director provides for these children to feel safe and secure in expressing themselves. Really great work.”
Another adjudicator remarked, “You played at the highest caliber for a youth ensemble. From your tempo choices to your stylistic awareness, phrasing, artistry, and expression were all on full display. It was evident that you weren’t just playing the notes. You were making music with intention and maturity.”
PSSS received another amazing compliment: “Overall, this was a flawless performance. You worked beautifully together as an ensemble, and the unity was evident from beginning to end. Joy truly radiated from the stage, and it was a pleasure to watch and hear you perform. Your conductor is phenomenal and clearly prepared you with care and excellence. Kudos to each of you on an outstanding job.”
PSSS received two scores of 99 and a third score of 100 from the three adjudicators. This performance is truly a testament to the hard work and dedication not only of the students but of their music director and of the Pacific Symphony staff behind the scenes. It is a remarkable feat to inspire children of this age to put such enormous effort into their sound as an ensemble. Over the past thirty-five seasons, PSSS have created an enriching environment for students to thrive through teamwork, discipline, and musical development.
PSSS music director Dr. Johanna Gamboa-Kroesen had this to say regarding the Grand Champion designation:
“This recognition is certainly special, but what is far more meaningful is witnessing how these students have grown into this moment together. Musical excellence is often built in isolation, in the quiet discipline of individual practice. Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings reminds us all that music is, at its core, a connection with others. Week by week, these students have learned not only to refine their own artistry but to listen, respond, and shape something larger than themselves.
When young people are given the space to engage with music in this way, the result is something deeply human and profoundly moving, and I’m just honored to be part of it. Santiago Strings is a powerful example of what young musicians can achieve when excellence is pursued not alone, but in community.”
In addition to competing, PSSS students enjoyed visiting sites around San Francisco and attending sessions and exhibitions at the American String Teacher’s Association (ASTA) conference. They were also invited to perform on the final day of the conference in a concert showcasing the National Orchestra Festival Grand Champions.
Congratulations, Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings!
See Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings perform their next concert, “Recomposed,” on May 17th, 2026 at 1pm. Reserve your tickets here.
Pictured in this blog:
Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings
PSSS in their post-competition session with a clinician