Ellie Aquino is more than just a violinist—she’s a chameleon, a multi-instrumentalist who adapts to different genres of music. Learning the violin was simply a gateway to the guitar, piano, percussion, and more. From orchestral to contemporary, jazz to mariachi, her identity can’t be defined by just one genre or instrument. She’s a musician and leader who is making a difference in her community by spreading her love of music in a variety of ways. 

She is a recent graduate of University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music. She graduated Summa Cum Laude, receiving a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Performance and a Minor in Spanish. There, she studied with Dr. Ann Miller, and also worked closely with other faculty members including Nicolas Waldvogel, Jennifer Cho, and Guy Powell. She had the honor of serving as concertmaster for the University Symphony Orchestra in the Fall of 2022, and also played in the pit for their recent production of Into the Woods. 

In 2021, Ellie became a violinist for Mariachi Bonitas, Northern California’s all-female mariachi who have appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Good Day Sacramento, and more. She has also been a member of University of the Pacific’s Mariachi Ocelotlán since its founding in the fall of 2019. Her love and passion for music drives her to explore new genres and instruments.  

Ellie demonstrated her leadership in high school by taking on the roles of section leader, concertmaster, and student conductor in both the orchestra and concert band, as well as becoming deeply involved in the pit orchestra for the spring musicals. After graduating, she formed a band with her close friends, and still performs pop music with them around the Folsom area when they are visiting home. During the summer of 2021, she formed a jazz combo to open for members of Tower of Power at a local concert.