At the age of six, Rachel Gallegos began playing the violin in Albuquerque, New Mexico under the instruction of Kristin Cram. She joined Mad About Music, a touring youth string ensemble directed by Susan Kempter during her fifth grade year. At this same time she became introduced to the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program as a member in the Albuquerque Junior String orchestra. She continued with Mad About Music until her eigth grade year, auditioning and making the Albuquerque Junior Symphony as a first violinist.She continued in the program entering high school as second violinist in the Albuquerque Youth Symphony and making first violin her sophomore year. Over the
past several summers, Rachel has been involved in the Ottawa, Kansas string music camp, Sound Encounters, as well as the joint AYS and University of New Mexico’s Sandia Music Festival. As a junior at Albuquerque High School she is involved in tutoring violin students, various ensembles, a member of the AYS orchestra, first violinist in the AYS, and a volunteer at Sunday Chatter. She is committed to maintaining a high academic performance and plans to pursue violin performance in college, continuing to share her love for music. Rachel’s parents are Daniel and Elena Gallegos. Her violin teacher is Kristin Cram.