Meet The Musicians

Jake Copp

Customer Relations and Coordination, Cellist

Jake Copp began studying cello in sixth grade in the Cooperative Middle School string program with Jennifer Ramsay. As a very talented and motivated young player, Ms. Ramsay suggested that he study with Dorothy Braker. During this time with Ms. Braker, Copp performed as principal cellist of the Seacoast Youth Symphony Orchestra at Portsmouth Music and Arts Center for two years and was part of the Exeter Youth Strings program at Phillips Exeter Academy. Copp has also participated in the New Hampshire All-State Festival and Chamber Ensemble, and was a long standing member of the Musical Youth of the Portsmouth Symphony (MyPSO), now Stringendo.

As part of the MyPSO program, Copp studied conducting with John Page, Director of Orchestral Activities at Tufts University and Music Director of the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra, and conducted the MyPSO youth orchestra. He has played in various chamber music groups with the MyPSO program and the Sonad Project, and played as a member and now auxiliary member of the cello section of the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra.

In 2019, he was the first prize winner of the Cape Ann Symphony’s Young Artist Competition, and was featured as a soloist, as well as guest conductor, during their Holiday Pops concert series that year.

A graduate from the University of New Hampshire in computer science, Copp studied with Dr. Jacques Lee Wood, participating in the UNH Symphony orchestra under Dr. David Upham and in numerous chamber ensembles. Based around Portsmouth, he is an active musician throughout the Seacoast area, playing at various churches and in pits at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, the Majestic Theater, the Merrimack College OnStagers Dramatic Society, Hackmatack Playhouse and the Seacoast Repertory Theater. He also teaches cello at the Seacoast Academy of Music, as well as maintains a small private studio of young students.

A multifaceted performer, Copp is proficient in acting and dance, and plays drums, bass and guitar. In addition to live performances, Copp records with many local bands and has spent countless hours in the studio mixing and acting as sound engineer and studio technician. Outside of music, he likes astronomy, birdwatching and hunting for books at used bookstores.

Chloe Jaarsma

Chief Financial Officer, Cellist

Chloe is a talented cellist who discovered her love for the cello at the age of 14. From the moment she picked up the instrument, she was hooked, and her dedication and hard work have led to a successful career in music. Chloe is currently pursuing her degree in music performance at the University of New Hampshire.

Chloe’s exceptional talent and musicianship have been recognized through numerous accolades, including being awarded a chair in the Vermont All State Music Festival twice and being accepted into the prestigious New England Music Festival. As a student at UNH, Chloe has continued to excel as the principal cellist in the UNH Orchestra and through her involvement in UNH chamber ensembles.

Beyond her university commitments, Chloe is an auxiliary member of the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra, where she contributes her skills and helps bring beautiful music to the community. In addition, she has performed at nursing homes, sharing her music with those who may not have the opportunity to attend concerts.

Chloe’s passion for music has led her to establish a studio of her own, where she teaches and inspires cellists to pursue their musical dreams. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and experience, and strives to create a supportive and nurturing environment for her students.

Throughout her musical journey, Chloe has had the privilege of studying with Linda Galvan, a distinguished cellist based in Vermont, who helped inspire Chloe’s passion. Currently, Chloe is continuing her studies with Jacques Lee Wood at UNH, a renowned cellist and teacher who has helped her refine her technique and develop her own unique musical voice.

Gianna Pompeo

Cellist

Gianna started her journey as a cellist in 2016 in her middle school orchestra and continued it throughout high school. An early spark of inspiration for Gianna was studying cello with Jackie Ludwig Selby. Gianna also studied with Hwakyung Jang during her junior year of high school. Now, she studies with Dr. Jacques Lee Wood, the esteemed UNH Cello Professor, who has helped bring Gianna’s skills and love of the instrument to the next level. 

Gianna has participated in numerous musical ensembles including first chair in the Walpole High School (WHS) Orchestra, first chair in the Massachusetts Senior Districts and Senior SEMSBA Festivals, playing in the pit for WHS musicals, and, most notably, the Rivers School Conservatory Youth Orchestras. Now, she is a member of the UNH Symphony Orchestra with Dr. David Upham. She also is a cello coach for the UNH Youth Orchestras, where she leads sectionals, provides cello lessons, and helps middle and high school students grow as musicians.

Aside from the cello, Gianna began piano lessons at the age of seven where her love of music developed. Her teacher of eight years, Judy Feldman, helped to nurture this love graciously, and during high school she switched to Eric Bowman-Wozencraft. He provided her with numerous opportunities to play for church choirs, to learn the church organ, and to play for the elderly. Gianna also took voice lessons with Joanna Gaughan, who opened new musical doors for Gianna. Now, Gianna is currently pursuing a degree in Music Performance and Communication at UNH.

Derek Dong

Violinist