Our consummate pianist, coach, and good friend, Shirley Irek celebrated her 70th birthday with the best birthday party EVER: a full concert that included many of her past and present students, and several Franklin Pond alums.

What fun it was to see them all and hear about their successes in life. Their devotion to music persisted, even for those who didn't pursue it professionally. Jaia Alli (Cello, 2022-23), Nicholas Lin (Cello/Piano, 2014, 2015, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19), Jay Sherman (Piano, 2015, 2017, 2017-18), and Andy Fang (Piano, 2024-25, 2025-26) all performed. The program ended with the first movement of the Brahms Piano Quintet in F Minor with Shirley on piano, Emily Jackson Loh (violin, Ronda's former student now in Dallas, Texas), Drew Forde (Viola, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010—now in California) and Shirley's daughter and son, Vanessa Chumbley (violin) and Alex Chumbley (Cello, 2007, 2009, 2010—now in New York). It was a truly memorable occasion.