Sophie Wilkes (14) is from St. George, Utah. She currently studies viola with Jason Bonham, viola and violin with Kirsten Candland, and violin with Jenny Oaks Baker. Sophie has studied string instruments since she was 5 years old. Sophie was the principal violist for the 2025 Utah All-State Junior High Orchestra and has been a violist for her Pre-College Chamber Academy ensemble group at Utah Tech University. She has earned top marks for viola at the Southern Utah Strings Festival the last 5 years. Sophie loves participating in the Zion Youth Symphony Orchestra. She also enjoys teaching private lessons and an early morning strings class to elementary students each weekday morning. When not practicing music, Sophie can be found playing tennis or swimming with her 4 younger siblings. Sophie is thrilled for the opportunity to come perform at the American Viola Society this year!