Two-Time All-Stater and Straight-A-Scholar

Ashna is a working composer and a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, where she studied film composition while actively performing on B♭, bass, and contrabass clarinet in the Wind Ensemble. Her musical journey began in Texas, where she achieved outstanding recognition as a clarinetist.

She began her studies with Dr. Jun Qian in her sophomore year of high school, initially preparing for the Baylor High School Band & Orchestra Camp, where Dr. Qian was the clarinet professor. Finding immense value in her lessons, she chose to continue studying with him full-time. Over two and a half years, Dr. Qian played a crucial role in her audition preparation for TMEA All-State, GDYO, and college programs, consistently challenging her to master new techniques and expand her repertoire. Thanks to his guidance, Ashna was accepted into several of her top-choice college music programs through her clarinet auditions.

During high school, Ashna was a two-time TMEA All-State Clarinetist, placing seventh in the state her junior year and performing as first chair and soloist of the Symphonic Band.

She was also a member of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, performing with the Philharmonic from 2017 to 2018 and the Wind Symphony from 2016 to 2017. At Coppell High School, she balanced a demanding schedule as head drum major of the marching band while maintaining first chair in the Wind Symphony. She graduated in 2018 with a straight-A record and an International Baccalaureate diploma.

Ultimately, Ashna chose to pursue a career in composition over performance, yet the lessons she learned in Dr. Qian’s studio continue to shape her musical approach and artistic growth. Today, she integrates her clarinet expertise into her compositions, bridging her performance background with her passion for writing music.