Diana Lashmit-Peña has been playing the violin since she was 10 years old. She currently studies with Jennifer Bloch and continues developing her love for music through Maryville City Schools Orchestra Programs under the direction of Mrs. Cappaletti in middle school, Mrs. Bales in junior high, and Mr. Wilkinson in high school. She participated in the All-East Senior Clinic, served as the orchestra representative for her high school’s Tri-M Music Honor Society, and currently has the honor to be concert master of her high school orchestra. She also plays violin in her church orchestra each Sunday and enjoys playing piano and violin in her youth band on Wednesday nights as well.This is Diana’s first year having the honor of being part of the KSYO Chamber Orchestra and the KSYO Chamber Music Program. She has grown so much as a musician and is thankful for the opportunity she was given an honor of working alongside with great young musicians and learning from such talented instructors of the KSYO.  She plans to attend Lipscomb University this fall to major in Instrumental Music Education and double major in Spanish. Diana is sincerely thankful for the many music instructors who have helped shape and enrich her musical gifts and encouraged her desire to pursue music in college. She is also especially grateful to her parents for their love, sacrifices, and constant support in helping her follow her dreams.