2026 Winter Soloist Ayana Lane, Viola – North Sound Youth Symphony

Ayana Lane, 17, is a senior at Squalicum High School. She began playing violin at the age of 8 with Joy Westermann and switched to viola at age 10. She has been studying with Elizabeth Stuen-Walker since 2020. Throughout her musical career, Ayana has been an avid participant in programs including North Sound Youth Symphony, Squalicum High School Chamber Orchestra, WMEA Honor Orchestra Festival, and various local string ensembles. Ayana has been selected for the SJMEA All-State Honor Groups for the past 2 years, and placed first in this year’s Regional Solo and Ensemble contest.

When she’s not playing the viola, Ayana enjoys reading and being in nature. She
would like to thank a number of people for their contributions to her musical journey, including her viola teacher Elizabeth Stuen-Walker, her orchestra teacher Mary Marshall, NSYS conductor Grant Donellan for this amazing opportunity, and her family and friends for their never-ending support. After high school, Ayana hopes to study engineering while continuing her musical journey through an off-campus orchestra.