Meet the Orientation Leaders at The Juilliard School (2024)

Welcome to Juilliard!

This year’s Juilliard orientation leaders introduced themselves, sharing their tips and favorite haunts—find out more in the Juilliard Journal.

Lucas Johnson, Second-year actor

Favorite haunts: Dizzy’s jazz club—it’s free for Juilliard students
For actors: The Theatr app is great for cheap tickets to Broadway shows
Advice: Soak up these moments—they’re the beginning of a beautiful journey
Fun fact: I’ve been a drummer since I was 6

Christopher Armstrong, Fourth-year composer

Favorite haunts: Empanada Mama, Aria, AMC
For composers: Binding for composers (copy center)
Advice: Just be you

Olivia Tilley, Second-year harpist

Advice:
• Don’t be afraid to talk to people, everyone is open for a conversation
• Lunch and Learns are a great way to meet people

Eloise Fox, Orientation Chair, Third-year soprano

Advice: Decorate your room and make it feel like your own space, not just somewhere to go at the end of the day
Fun fact: I taught myself how to sew during the pandemic, and I make quilts, clothes, and stuffed animals

Emily Okamoto, Third-year dancer

Favorite haunts: Simply Noodles, Target, Little Italy Pizza 72nd St, Hooda and Casbah halal carts, H-Mart, Dainobu, Carnegie Hall, Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen
For thrifting/dance clothes: Salvation Army, Buffalo Exchange, Unique Boutique
Advice: It’s ok if you don’t feel like you’ve found “your people” right away—you’ll be surprised how much things can change

Jocelyn Wynn, Third-year dancer

Favorite haunts: Riverside Park pier, MOMA, Broadway shows
For dancers: Bloch, Capezio, Yumiko

Jesse Parker, Second-year jazz drummer

Favorite haunts: Jazz at Lincoln Center—amazing concerts and a jam session every Thursday
Advice: Make an effort to go to events outside your department and participate in the many things happening on campus
Fun fact: I’d never been on a plane or out of the country until I came to Juilliard

Reggie Turner, Fourth-year dancer

Favorite haunts: Halal cart at 66th and Columbus, Zurutto ramen
Division-specific: NYU-Langone Sports Medicine Centers
Fun fact: My sister and I are 15 years apart
Advice: Be open to new experiences and making friends in other divisions, and have a good balance between your training and making time for yourself—this keeps you sane and helps you experience life, which in turn helps your art form

Jasmine Sinnott-Klenotich, Third-year dancer

Favorite haunts: Old John’s Luncheonette, EA Dumpling, Shakespeare & Co, Gong Cha (boba), the Smith
Advice: Take pictures and videos and create time for self-care
Fun fact: I can recite the alphabet backward

Justinas Zlabys, Second-year composer

Favorite haunts: Amore Pizza, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Advice: Don’t rush—everyone looks like they are doing something, but you have time, and also, orientation week isn’t the only time to meet people

Josh Chapman, Second-year actor

Favorite haunt: Levain
For actors: Drama Book Shop
Advice: If you’re feeling stressed, go outside—a walk in Central Park will help way more than you think
Fun fact: I was in competition with my mother over the summer about who could knit the best hat

Kelvin Walters, Fourth-year jazz saxist

Favorite haunt: The bodega on 72nd St.
Places for reeds in Manhattan: J.L. Winds, John Baltimore, Sam Ash
Advice: Everyone operates differently—never compare your process to someone else’s

Natalie Wong, Orientation Chair, Fourth-year dancer

Julia Ciesielska, Fourth-year dancer

Favorite haunts: Mamman, Riverside and Central parks
Advice: Stay open, trust your skills, and take advantage of each opportunity
Fun fact: I love cold butter

Holden Kunowski, Third-year dancer

• Embrace each class and every moment

• Every student here has earned their spot, including you! Your teachers see your potential and want to help you—take advantage of their guidance.

• Juilliard isn’t just a school, it’s a community. Lean on your peers and celebrate each other’s successes. Building strong relationships will enrich your experience and provide a support system during challenging times and may last a lifetime.

• Trust your uniqueness, and your hard work will do the rest

Mason Evans, Third-year dancer

Favorite haunts: Lisa’s Dumplings at the Columbus Circle subway station, L Train Vintage
For dancers: Yumiko store around the corner on Amsterdam
Advice: Trust yourself—and don’t be afraid to ask questions

Ellie Crawford, Third-year dancer

• It’s ok to say no! Especially in the beginning of the year, there will be many things calling for your attention. FOMO is real, but there’s plenty of time to explore.

• Get sunshine when you can

• Don’t be afraid to also communicate with teachers and all available resources at Juilliard

Remember, everyone wants you to succeed

Fiorela Miria, Third-year singer

Favorite haunts: Grand Bazaar, Toribro Ramen, Goodwill near FIT
Division-specific: Juilliard Store, Westsider Records, Strings and Other Things
Advice: Freshman year is going to fly by, so stay organized and have a little fun
Fun facts: I love to cook, especially when listening to bossa nova, and I love interior design—anything to make a space more you

LaMonte Sadler, Second-year dancer

Favorite haunts: Tea Magic, Unique Boutique
Advice: Trust the process
Fun facts: I love ice cream and phone cases

Celia Wojcik, Second-year oboist

Favorite haunts: Cafe Paradiso, Dizzy’s
Advice: It’s ok to feel like you’re lost—we all do at some point. It might take a while—even all of semester one—to figure out how you work or live best. That’s what freshman year is for!
Fun fact: One of my hobbies is long-distance cycling

Xavier Logan, Orientation Chair, Fourth-year dancer

Fun fact: I was on The Vampire Diaries in high school

Guillermo Lopez, Second-year master’s jazz bassist

Favorite haunt: Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine
Advice: Take this new chapter one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to reach out if you need anything
Fun fact: My first instrument was the tuba

Jiaxun Yao, Fourth-year cellist

Advice: Let’s explore Juilliard and New York City together!
Fun fact: I’m from Qingdao, China, which is known for its world-renowned Tsingtao Beer

Angie Ramirez, Fourth-year dancer

Favorite haunts: Whole Foods, Chip City, Van Leeuwen, Juice Generation
Fun fact: I’ve lived in seven states

Alessandra Gonzalez, Second-year dancer

Favorite haunts: Rosetta Bakery, Color Me Mine Pottery
Advice: You are coming into one of the best communities ever. Never be scared to ask questions—enjoy every moment as much as you can and welcome to Juilliard!
Fun fact: I can’t handle spicy foods

Sean Edwards, Fourth-year percussionist

Favorite haunts: Made in New York Pizza, basketball courts, Hungry and Healthy Deli
Division-specific: Hire Juilliard Performers (HJP)
Advice: Be yourself