Members

Yiyi Yang – President

she/they
Lovett ’24

This strong independent individual you see very largely on your screen is none other than Yiyi Yang, our fearless leader. She is from Shanghai, China and always blesses us with various snacks that she scavenges around campus. Their major is materials science, their minor is Asian studies, and their passion is learning the language of cats. You will likely find Yiyi watering her (dead) plants, eating at the best restaurants, and participating in social activism. We are so lucky to have them, and you will hear them blessing you with their voice very soon.

– Audrey Ma ’24

Luna Xia

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Jones ’24

Let’s give a lovely round of applause for the lavishing Luna. This precious peach is a chemical engineering major straight from the heart of Beijing, China. If you’re looking for a mysterious girl, you found one because she loves mystery movies, and you can count on her for anything. When Luna is not cooking or giving you fantastic food recommendations, she plays tennis and piano, and just looks forward to taking over the world. If you ever get a chance to meet her, you’ll see what a privilege it is to have her be a part of the Rice Philharmonics!!

– Chelsea Asibbey ’27

Audrey ma

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Music Director – Wiess ’24

Hey gang, think of someone awesome real quick! It’s likely you just thought of our peerless music director (of two years!), Audrey Ma. Slithering south from Princeton, NJ, Audrey is a Cell Bio & Genetics major at Wiess college, and she has a whole lot of silly interests! These include singing, working with children, and medicine, also. Even better, Audrey likes music — in fact, she’s in the Rice Philharmonics. As a result, she likes artists such as Sammy Rae and the Friends, Hozier, and others. We’re a big fan of having Audrey around, especially when we want to be the first to know about new, trendy apps that place constraints on when you can take pictures, which is never! At the end of the day (and only then), we’re so grateful for Audrey’s unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to joyful noise. Please donate to the Phils so we may fund her rehabilitation.

– Teddy Gilman ’24

Teddy gilman

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Publicity Manager – McMurtry ’24

What do a snowflake suit, comedy, boxing, and Rice’s finest have to do in common? How does one listen to “chicken fried” on full volume and suddenly switch to Joji’s melancholy tunes? Meet Teddy, a man who truly challenges conventional dichotomies by doing (and being) a little bit of everything. A math major from Austin, TX, Teddy even takes on different voice parts, from Bass to tenor. With an incredible versatile voice and stage presence, Teddy is an invaluable member of the Phils phamily, and truly adds to every song.

– Karis Lai ’26

Khalil jebailey

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Recording Manager – Baker ’25

Introducing the “base” of the Phils, our phenomenal bass sensation, Khalil! Towering above us all, both in height and in talent, Khalil brings a voice is like a sonorous treasure that lays the foundation for our melodies. Originally hailing from the sunny city of Orlando, Florida, this Bakerite is pursuing a degree in Materials Science and Nanoengineering, but his true gift is the abundance of *material* he brings to the Phils. Beyond his vocal prowess, Khalil is also a masterful creator of music and a rhythm game enthusiast; if you listen closely, you might just catch him producing the most electrifying EDM beats! But what truly sets Khalil apart is his warm and kind-hearted nature. He’s not just our bass extraordinaire, he’s also a genuinely wonderful person with an unexpected comedic streak that can brighten even the cloudiest of days. And in a nod to bringing individuality to our multifaceted group, Khalil proudly got that dog in him.

– Josh Paik ’26

Taylor stowers

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Business Manger – Duncan ’25

Actress. Choreographer. Soprano whose dynamic and powerful tone will knock you to your knees. Is there anything she doesn’t know how to do?!?! Take a breather, probably. This incredible psych/soci-majoring-Duncaroo is one you’re sure to remember—not just for the warm, fuzzy feeling you get after (literally) every interaction with her, but for the jaw-dropping high notes that lend their wings to every Phils performance you witness!

– Sam Zhang ’26

Karis Lai

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Wiess ’26

Have you ever wanted to see a Disney princess in real life? Meet Karis from Prince(ss)ton, New Jersey! She’s all beauty, no beast: this musical theater talent once starred as Belle! Like Belle, she has a gorgeous voice and loves to read and write. Karis has an eye for beauty all around–she’s also an incredibly talented photographer and videographer. She has the voice   of an angel and the personality to match. She’ll always hype you up and you know she truly means it because despite her name, Karis does not Lai. Our lovely soprano Karis is the best there-is!

– Rita Ajit ’25

Dhilani Premaratne

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Jones ’26

Have you met a celebrity from The 305? Look no further than this talented Phil at Jones! When she’s not basking in the Florida sun, she’s orchestrating life’s symphony with flawless organization, all thanks to her Notion wizardry. In the realm of neuroscience, she’s the brainiac with a penchant for unraveling the mysteries of the mind. Don’t be fooled by her dedication to academia, though; this beach-loving intellectual knows how to work hard and play even harder. This TikTok-savvy sensation knows every trend like the back of her hand, infusing her days with the perfect blend of pop culture and intellect. Having her in the Phils is nothing short of a delightful whirlwind of joy and inspiration!

– Luna Xia ’24

Samuel Zhang

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Jones ’26

​​Here is our favorite sophomore bass straight from Houston, Sam! This bioengineering major loves EDM, Rocket League, and watching video essays (preferably all at the same time, probably), and be honest, how many other people do you know whose favorite fruit is durians? He is also the best table tennis coach you can have — smart, skillful and patient. Sam is one of the most chill people we know, being super approachable and sociable to anyone! (But my personal favorite is his hidden sassy side, in a playful way.) We’re so incredibly fortunate to have Sam in the Phils phamily, and we hope you come to appreciate his fabulously soothing singing as much as we do!

– Yiyi Yang ’24

Erin Ni

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Webmaster – Jones ’26

Who’s the best Californian speechwriter, Pokemon fan, and soprano the Phils could possibly ask for?! Why, it’s Erin Ni! This electrical engineering major from Jones not only has brains, but also brawn (she has a black belt in karate!!). When she’s not grinding in the OEDK, this former clarinet player loves going out for hot pot (she’s a connoisseur), hiking, and singing Bruno Mars so beautifully. We are truly so lucky to have Erin’s passion, humor, and sweetness (and iconic crocs) in the Phils!!

– Taylor Stowers ’25

Rita Ajit

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Treasurer – Lovett ’25

That’s right folks, up next we’ve got a crowd favorite, a singer and companion beyond compare, always lifting the alto section to new heights, it’s the one, the only, Rita Ajit! Summoned from the far-off lands of northern Virginia (although Washington DC sounds cooler), this singing prodigy also intends to major in English and Social Policy Analysis. Second in priority to singing with the Phils, of course. But her musical interests don’t just stop here, oh no! When she’s not in rehearsal, you might be able to find Rita listening to one of her 177 playlists on a run through the beautiful outdoors. Perhaps all this experience with music, as well as her meteoric rise playing an oompa loompa in middle school, explains where she got her grammy-worthy vocal talent. But of course, when we think of Rita, it’s not just the gorgeous and silky-smooth voice that comes to mind. No, first we remember Rita’s always joyful attitude, the wide and contagious smile that seems to brighten any room she walks into, the person that we all look up to when we need a little support and happiness. There truly is no other like her, and we couldn’t be happier to have her in the Phils.

– Khalil JeBailey ’25

Josh Paik

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Duncan ’26

Hey… who’s that cooking in the shower??? Oh my gosh! It’s Josh! He is from Seattle. By day, he’s a math pre-med student, solving equations like a pro, but by night, he’s our beloved beatboxer who can turn even the dullest moments into music-filled memories. Be sure to check out his TikTok, @fattymuffin, where he posts smashing beatboxing videos, original arrangements, and collabs with his fellow Phils! In the world of sound, Josh is a true poly*math*. Pick a sound, any sound, and get ready to be mesmerized by our *mouthmaster*!

– Erin Ni ’26

Chelsea Asibbey

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Baker ’27

Are you guys ready to meet the newest member of the Philharmonics? Meet Chelsea, a Bakerite freshman from Aurora, Colorado. When she’s not busy baking, dancing, or belting out a song, this PoliSci major is busy making everyone laugh with her unique sense of humor or freestyles over literally anything. We are so excited to welcome our newest member to the Phils!

– Jordan Murray ’27

Fa’aeanu’u Pepe

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Wiess ’25

Introducing one of our Newx7 Phils all the way from Long Beach, California… EA! This psych major is one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet with the best energy and the most contagious laugh. As one of our newest tenors, Ea has the most beautiful Frank Ocean vibe voice and makes such a wonderful addition to the Phils! Ea is an athlete, playing football, volleyball, and more and also loves to play piano, ukulele, and sing of course! You’ll also probably catch Ea jamming Beyonce, Jazmine Sullvian, Bruno Mars, SZA, and more. Fun fact: Ea is the first Samoan in 40 years to go to Rice! We’re so excited to have Ea join us in the Phils and can’t wait for you to hear him very soon!

– Dhilani Premaratne ’26

Jordan Murray

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Duncan ’27

Meet Jordan, our newest bass from Lake Charles, Louisiana! Not only does this Electrical Engineering major like to do crosswords (a smart fellow), and crotchet (a skillful fellow), he loves to sing! (a musical fellow) Who could’ve thought! A master of all, he can sing everything from the classical Ave Maria to a head banger like Change! We hope you are as excited as us to welcome this new*7 Phil!

– Kairi Mano ’27

Kairi mano

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Lovett ’27

This multi-talented musical genius who loves watching anime, playing video games, and jamming with his friends hails all the way from Tokyo, Japan! It’s the one, the only, joining the Phil’s for his first year as a Baritone, Kairi Mano! A freshmen majoring in Sports Management, Kairi is a Lovetteer with perfect pitch and a remarkable range. A little indecisive cuz he couldn’t tell me his favorite movie or genre of music🙄lmao but it’s okay because he makes it up by bringing a bold sense of humor to the Phil’s. We are excited to have him and can’t wait to show him off to all of you!

– Fa’aeanu’u Pepe ’25