By Helen H. Cha-Pyo, Artistic Director
This year marks an exciting milestone for Wharton Arts with the launch of the Wharton Arts Student Leadership Alliance (WASLA)—an initiative created from our strategic plan to amplify student voice and foster greater agency across all four programs. WASLA is more than a leadership opportunity—it’s a step toward shaping Wharton Arts from the inside out, ensuring students don’t just participate, but also help lead.
WASLA’s mission is to inspire, nurture, and celebrate excellence among students within Wharton Arts, fostering leadership, creativity, and community engagement. In its inaugural year, twelve exceptional student leaders, three each from the New Jersey Youth Chorus, New Jersey Youth Symphony, Paterson Music Project, and Performing Arts School, have stepped into this role with commitment, energy, and heart.
Each student was selected through a competitive process open to 11th and 12th graders who have been in their programs for at least two years. These are paid leadership positions, with students working weekly with their program directors—Deb Joyal, Trish Joyce, Shanna Lin and Helen Cha-Pyo—and meeting monthly as a full team.
WASLA is leading two major Wharton Arts-wide projects this season. The first was Wharton Arts Day, a community event that brings together students, families, and audiences from across the organization to share the joy of live music and elevate the visibility of Wharton Arts. WASLA members were deeply involved: emceeing, designing t-shirts, performing, and supporting event logistics. The second is a student-designed survey that seeks feedback on how to build stronger connections across Wharton Arts’ programs. WASLA will present their findings and action recommendations to the Board of Trustees and senior staff in June.
In just one year, this group has already made a lasting impact. They’ve brought thoughtful ideas, strong leadership, and a contagious sense of joy and friendship. Their efforts are helping to shape a more connected, student-centered future for Wharton Arts. It has been a privilege for all of us—myself and my fellow program directors—to work alongside these outstanding young leaders. We couldn’t be prouder.