San Diego Unified Student Orchestra Earns National Spotlight: Collaborating with Billboard-Charting Composer for Prestigious Performance Tour
Mira Mesa High School Symphony Orchestra to premiere original commissioned work at California and national music education conferences
The Mira Mesa High School Symphony Orchestra has earned a rare honor that offers students an extraordinary opportunity to work with a professional composer. The orchestra will perform at two of the nation's top music education events and premiere an original work by Billboard chart-topping composer Jordan Jinosko.
Mira Mesa High School Symphony Orchestra students work collaboratively during student-led sectional rehearsals,
seated in a circle to promote the "everyone can contribute" value central to the program.
What began in the early 2000s as a small lunch club of five to seven students has grown into a thriving program serving 120 string players. Matthew Mulvaney, Mira Mesa High School teacher and orchestra director, has built a program where students learn together, support each other and reach for excellence. The program offers three levels: Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra and Debut Strings.
"I am thrilled our students will have the opportunity to perform at both the National Orchestra Festival and the All-State Conference," Mulvaney said. "Participating in these events provides our students and community a wonderful opportunity to showcase their work, collaboration and group efforts."
The orchestra will perform at the California All-State Music Education Conference in Sacramento from Jan. 14-18, 2026, followed by the National Orchestra Festival in San Francisco from Feb. 25-March 1, 2026. Mulvaney has previously taken students to the Kennedy Center (2017), Carnegie Hall (2019) and Chicago Symphony Center (2023).
The Mira Mesa High School Symphony Orchestra performs at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
in Washington, D.C. in 2017.
The Mira Mesa High School Symphony Orchestra directed by Mr. Mulvaney perform at Carnegie Hall
in New York City in 2019.
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The collaboration with Jordan Jinosko makes this year special. Her album "Advent of the Symphonina" topped Billboard's chart of Best-selling Classical Albums in August 2024, and her work has been performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Kimmel Center. Based in Michigan, Jinosko was commissioned to write "Of Fire and Water" specifically for Mira Mesa students, highlighting individual players throughout the three-movement piece inspired by Yellowstone National Park.
"Working with Jordan is a joy," Mulvaney said. "She is at once talented and incredibly kind. I am grateful to have the opportunity to connect her with our students here at Mira Mesa."
For students, the opportunity is transformative. Eleventh-grader Emily Trinh said, "Performing at the National Orchestra Festival and the California All-State Music Education Conference means more than just playing music; it represents years of dedication, teamwork and growth that our orchestra has cultivated together."
Junior Chinh Nguyen added, "It is exciting to be able to create an original work of music with a composer where we could have a voice in the music. This is unlike anything that we've done before."
Freshman Pau Santos shared, "Working with a composer as talented and famous as Jordan is an honor. Being one of the first to play one of her pieces feels unreal."
Senior Nicolette Tran, orchestra president, reflected, "Orchestra has become an enormous part of me. Even when I struggle rehearsing our difficult repertoire, I can feel support and humor from my peers."
The program supports San Diego Unified's student goals by creating a space where students understand their value and work together. Through rehearsals and performances, students build skills in teamwork, discipline and creative expression that help them succeed in school and life.
Mulvaney's dedication is one key to the program's success, but not the only one. What sets Mira Mesa apart is its unique approach to student support. Through Proposition 28 funding, the district provides professional string coaching to all orchestra students. Established musicians from the community, including San Diego Symphony members and private lesson instructors, work alongside students in small instrumental groups, supporting musicians at all skill levels. These upcoming national performances are a testament to what happens when dedicated teaching combines with exceptional community support.
Students interested in joining are welcome regardless of previous musical experience. The program is open to all Mira Mesa High School students, and some who started as beginners have performed at nationally recognized venues.
The Mira Mesa Orchestra shows what's possible when dedicated teachers and district support come together. For more information, visit miramesaorchestras.org or follow @miramesaorchestras on Instagram.
Article written by staff of the San Diego Unified School District Strategic Communications and Information Department