We’re proud to share that four William Pu Music Academy students were selected for Georgia’s Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) this summer — one of the state’s most selective multi-week overnight programs for talented high school students — paid for by the state of Georgia. Each spent several weeks on a Georgia college campus alongside some of the strongest young musicians and brightest students in the state, and one of them, Ellie Kim, was chosen to perform Vivaldi’s Summer, from The Four Seasons as a soloist.
Congratulations to Ellie, David, Rebekah, and Noah — and to the teachers who prepared them:
- Ellie Kim — violin, student of William Pu.
- David Kim — cello, student of Martin Gueorguiev.
- Rebekah Lee — violin, student of Jian Shang.
- Noah Bang — viola, student of Hyesul Shin.
Selection for GHP is a real distinction — students are nominated by their schools and advance through several rounds of review before finalists are named — so having four musicians from one academy chosen in the same year speaks to the depth of preparation behind them. Special shoutout to Elsye Santoso, another WPMA violin student in William Pu’s studio, who attended GHP, but for Chemistry instead of Violin. We know many WPMA students were nominated for music and other majors, and we want to commend everyone who went through the many rounds of interviews and preparation. We’re grateful to all of their teachers, and proud of the work these students have poured into their music studies.
About the Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)
The Governor’s Honors Program is a residential summer program for Georgia’s most talented high school sophomores and juniors, administered by the state and held each year on a college campus from mid-June to mid-July. Students are nominated by their schools and selected through a competitive semifinalist-and-finalist process, then spend the program in intensive daily study in their area — from music and the fine arts to the sciences and humanities — with room and board provided.
About William Pu Music Academy
The William Pu Music Academy is a private, award-winning, conservatory-style music academy in Atlanta. WPMA offers music education programming taught by the finest musicians and pedagogues in all of Georgia. In addition to taking 1-on-1 instrument lessons with highly-trained faculty, students at WPMA study music theory & sight-reading, participate in monthly recitals, studio classes, masterclasses with guest artists, and perform in chamber and orchestra ensembles. Academy students receive a rich and comprehensive music education, supported by a dedicated faculty. In this environment distinguished by its community and learning opportunities, WPMA students frequently compete and succeed in state and nation-wide auditions. Learn more about WPMA and previous student achievements at wpmusicacademy.com.
