By Claire Chow ’26

In April 2025, Alfred Ma ’25 traveled to Hartford, CT, to attend the 2025 Eastern Division Conference of the National Association for Music Education and perform at the All-Eastern Honors Ensembles as the first chair euphonium. Ma was one of only six euphonium players selected from around 2,000 across the northeast region to participate in the biennial concert. Ma is also the first Mercersburg student in more than a decade to perform at the All-Eastern level.

Created in the 19th century, the euphonium is most similar to the baritone and has roots deriving from the flugelhorn, tuba, and other brass instruments.

Ma, from Hong Kong, first picked up the euphonium in second grade, around 10 years ago. He had to choose between the tuba and the euphonium. At that time, he was short and small, so he selected the euphonium, which he describes as “basically a smaller version of a tuba.”

Since then, Ma has pushed himself to become one of the best euphonium players in his age group, tirelessly practicing his instrument and taking lessons from his mentor and accomplished euphonium player Steven Mead. Throughout his four years at Mercersburg, Ma has balanced his passion for music with his academic career. He will attend Yale University in New Haven, CT, where he will continue his pursuit of music and computer science.

Music faculty member Shami Beni, who directs Mercersburg’s Concert Band and Jazz Band, praised Ma for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the music department. 

As Ma’s chapter at Mercersburg comes to a close, Beni hopes his journey will remind every student that “true success comes from dedication, perseverance, and leading with integrity.”