Class of 2028

Luke Coker, composition

Luke Coker (composition) is a first-year student from Burlington, North Carolina. He began cello lessons at the age of 3, and started teaching himself to compose at age 4. His compositions first emerged while improvising alongside his father’s stories and eventually erupted into profound personal expressions during the 2020 lockdown. Coker’s captivating musical narratives have been praised for their “drama and intensity” and “faultless orchestration.” Many of his compositions have been performed publicly and recorded, including the 2023 premiere of Hail and Fire by a full symphonic orchestra at the Brevard Music Festival. Coker is also active as a cellist, having performed in the North Carolina All-State Honors Orchestra, Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Western Regional Honors Orchestra. In summer 2024, Coker was accepted to attend the Cremona International Music Academy in Cremona, Italy, where he studied cello and composition. In addition to his creative work, Coker is committed to the betterment of his community through music. He volunteered to teach elementary orchestra students and raised funds for his high school orchestra by organizing and performing in recitals at local churches. Coker is a member of Honors Carolina.

Kendall Gonzales, cello

Kendall Gonzales (cello) is a first-year student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill majoring in music with plans to double minor in biology and business of health. She first began playing cello at the age of two with the Suzuki Method, and started piano when she was seven. She attended the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program for three years majoringing in classical cello and was the proud principal of their symphony. Outside of school, Kendall loves fencing, reading fiction and spending time with friends and family.

Zara Tekmen, trombone

Zara Tekmen (trombone) is from Raleigh, North Carolina, and is a first-year student at UNC Chapel Hill. She first began her musical journey taking piano lessons at six years old, and has since pursued the trombone through various ensembles, competitions, and private instruction, studying primarily under Lisa Burn throughout middle and high school. She has had the honor of participating in the N.C All-State Wind Ensemble, N.C. All-State Jazz Band, Music for All National Honor Band, Triangle Youth Watson Brass Band, and the Enloe High School Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ambassadors, where she was recognized with the Outstanding Musicianship award. Zara also attended North Carolina Governor’s School East for Instrumental Music during the summer of 2022. Zara is double majoring in Computer Science and Music, studying with Professor Michael Kris.

Marni Weinreb, bassoon

Marni Weinreb (bassoon) is from Raleigh, North Carolina, and is a first-year at UNC Chapel Hill pursuing a double major in biology and music. Marni began playing the piano at the age of four, and at the end of her fourth grade year, she began studying the bassoon privately under Dr. Jessica Kunttu (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill).  Throughout her musical journey, Marni developed a passion for orchestra, appearing as Principal Bassoon of the University of North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, the Triangle Youth Philharmonic, the NC Governor’s School West Orchestra, and the Raleigh Civic Chamber Orchestra. Marni has also been part of various chamber groups and festivals, including the NCCMI Woodwind Quintet, the Chapel Hill Chamber Workshop, the Saarburg Music Festival, and leading the Triangle Youth Woodwind Quintet. Marni has been part of her school music program since the third grade, appearing in All-District and All-State Honor Bands and actively participating in the Tri-M Music Honors Society. Marni is honored to receive the Kenan Music Scholarship at UNC Chapel Hill where she can simultaneously pursue her interests in science and music.