Jaia Alli

Biography

Jaia Alli is an 11th grader at the Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia. She started her musical training on the piano at age 5 and added the cello nine years ago. She has attained a Superior Rating for 9 consecutive years in Piano Concerto category and 9 consecutive years in the Piano Solo category in the Georgia Federation of Music Clubs. In spring of 2019, she received Honorable Mention in the GMTA Pre College Piano Grade 7 Competition and in the Steinway Jr Piano Competition DIV II. In spring of 2021, she won 1st place in the East Cobb Music Club(ECMC) Senior Concerto Competition, the ECMC Bach Competition, and 2nd place in the ECMC High School Competition. In addition, she received Award of Excellence in the GMTA Grade 9 Competition. In summer of 2019, she participated in the Atlanta Festival Academy Orchestral Camp and took part of the virtual Sphinx Performance Academy in summer of 2021. In summer of 2022, she attended the Philadelphia International Music Festival(PIMF), and won 2nd place in the PIMF Concerto Competition 16/17 Division while there. She has secured first chair in the GMEA All-State Middle School Orchestra for two consecutive years, in the GMEA All-State 9/10 Full Orchestra for one year, and in the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra for one year. She was selected to perform the Vivaldi Double Cello Concerto with University of Georgia’s String Area Chair and Professor of Cello, Dr. David Starkweather at the 2020 GMEA All-State Conference. Additionally, she has participated in masterclasses with renowned cellists such as Anthony Elliott, Khari Joyner, and Melissa Kraut. This is her sixth year in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Talent Development Program, her first year in the Franklin Pond Chamber Music Program, and her 3rd year in the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, of which she currently sits assistant principal cellist. She is excited to further her cello studies. When she’s not behind the piano or the cello, you can find Jaia on the basketball court, on the football field, or perhaps even at the sneaker store.

Fun Fact: When I was younger, I would run errands with my mom dressed either as a pirate or a superhero.