Kaitlyn McLaughlin, originally from Decatur, Alabama, is currently studying at the Eastman School of Music under the tutelage of Renée Jolles. During her time at Eastman, she has had the privilege of being concertmaster of the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra. In recent years, she has participated in summer festivals such as Eastern Music Festival and Interlochen Arts Camp. She served as concertmaster of the orchestras at both EMF and Interlochen. In high school, she had the opportunity to be concertmaster of various orchestras such as the Alabama Orchestra Association All-State Festival Orchestra, the Huntsville Youth Orchestra, and the Decatur Youth Symphony. She has also won various competitions, including the Huntsville Symphony Young Artists Audition and the Decatur Youth Symphony Concerto Competition. Some of her primary teachers have included Cornelia Heard, Wilfredo Deglans, and Lisa Wiggins.