Dedication in practice, passion in performance, artistry in every note.
Aathira Balu
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A co-founder of the Tunes of Feathers YouTube channel, Aathira has brought her creativity to life through diverse projects and performances, both online and across many stages. She started her musical journey at the age of six, later deepening her craft through classical training under the guidance of Smt. Ramya Kapadia at the age of twelve. As dance is equally close to her heart—under the mentorship of her guru, Smt. Meena Rajagopal, she completed her Bharatanatyam arangetram in 2019 and later went on to lead her college dance team as captain. A graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in Business Administration and IT, Aathira now works full-time in Dallas, Texas, continuing to balance artistry with professional pursuits.
Adithi Kishore
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A senior at Green Level High School who has been passionately pursuing music from a young age. She began her training in Carnatic music at the age of seven and has been studying under Uma Venkatraman for the past four years. In addition to her classical training, Adithi has been an active member of the Green Level choral program for four years and currently is a Chorus Captain. Over the years, she has participated in numerous competitions, including Sampadha, and has had the honor of performing with her choir at Carnegie Hall. From Indian classical to choral and contemporary styles, Adithi is passionate about exploring all the musical genres.She is so happy to be part of the Tunes of Feathers fundraiser and hopes everyone enjoys the event!
Ardra Ragesh Nair
A dedicated and enthusiastic student with a deep love for music, dance, and the performing arts. With a strong passion for Carnatic music and cultural programs, Ardra enjoys connecting with audiences and creating meaningful, memorable experiences through both performance and presentation. She is currently a freshman at Apex Friendship High School, where she actively participates in the school’s performing arts programs.
Ayush Nair
A freshman at Enloe High School, is a dedicated violinist with over 11 years of training. He performs with the Enloe High School Orchestra and the Triangle Youth Philharmonic (TYP). He is a member of the North Carolina Chamber Music Institute (NCCMI) and the Triangle Youth Philharmonic Quartet. His orchestral experience also includes the Junior Regional Orchestra and performances with the Eastern Regional Orchestra. In addition to performing, Ayush volunteers at local senior centers and mentors younger violin students, believing music is most meaningful when it is used to connect, uplift, and give back to the community.
Gauri Menon
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A senior at the North Carolina School of Science and Math, she began her musical journey at the age of eight with the Western flute and, by twelve, was studying under Ms. Mary Boone. A few years later, she expanded her musical horizons to Carnatic music, learning the bamboo flute under the guidance of Sreerag Sreeragam. Over the years, Gauri has performed with school ensembles, youth orchestras, local bands, and in independent recitals. Her musical accomplishments have been recognized by the South India Fine Arts Association, the Indian Fine Arts Association, and the Raleigh Area Flute Association, among others. She has also performed with several honor bands, serving as principal flautist for the All-District Band and the All-State Wind Ensemble. Gauri has been a part of Tunes of Feathers since its founding in 2022 and is excited to share the ensemble’s collective talent with today’s audience.
Hridya Ajith
A sophomore at Green Level High School and a passionate musician with over 11 years of classical vocal training. In addition to her strong foundation in classical music, she is also a poet and music composer who enjoys expressing stories and emotions through her art. A dedicated member of her high school chorus team, Hridya has been performing at various events across the Triangle region for the past six years, sharing her talent and love for music with diverse audiences. She is also a member of her school's advanced choir and was selected to attend the North Carolina Honors Chorus and the All-Carolina Select Choir at Wingate University. She serves as the secretary of the Tri-M National Honor Society and has helped plan and execute fundraisers that promote musical inclusion.
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Hrithik Ajith
An eighth grader at Mills Park Middle School and a dedicated young musician who has been training in both Western and classical guitar for the past five years. With a deep passion for music, he has been performing at events across the Raleigh region for the past four years, sharing his talent and love for the art with the community. As he continues to grow musically, Hrithik hopes to expand his knowledge into audio engineering and music production, exploring new ways to create and shape sound.
Namita Manoj
A senior at Green Level High School. She has been learning Carnatic music since the age of seven, under the tutelage of Smt. Geetha Ganesh. From a young age, she has showcased her talent through performances at SIFAA, NCYCAC, and other numerous regional events. In addition to her Indian classical roots, Namita is also classically trained in Western vocal music and has served as the Chorus Captain of the Advanced Choir at Green Level High School her junior and senior year. Her musical journey has earned her accolades at national chorus competitions and opportunities to perform on prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall in New York and Disney World, Florida. Additionally, she has been selected for state-level choirs throughout her high school career, such as NC Honors Chorus and Wingate All-Carolina Choir. Later this year, she will travel alongside Green Level’s Choir to perform at the London International Music Festival.
Pranav Rajeev
A sophomore at Green Level High School in Cary, NC. He began studying the violin at the age of five. Over the past four years, he has been an active and dedicated member of the Triangle Youth Philharmonic (TYP) and has performed with several distinguished ensembles, including the Junior Eastern Regional Orchestra as Concertmaster, the Eastern Regional Orchestra, and the Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Deeply passionate about music, Pranav enjoys interpreting and bringing Indian songs to life through expressive violin performances. His disciplined approach, artistic sensitivity, and dedication to musical expression continue to guide his development as a young musician.
Timothy Pulikal
A sixth-grader at St. Michael School and an enthusiastic young drummer who has been playing since the age of four. Passionate about music and performance, Timothy enjoys performing with his school band as well as with Bach to Rock Music School, where he continues to develop his musical skills and stage presence. A dedicated and energetic performer, Timothy is a member of the band TVRS, which proudly won the national Battle of the Bands in both 2024 and 2025. and their original Rock City is on Spotify. Through every performance, he brings excitement, rhythm, and a love for music to the stage.
Vaishakh Balu
A young musician whose musical world flows effortlessly between the old and the new, the Eastern and the Western. He began performing on the piano and keyboard at a young age under the guidance of his teacher, Mr. Bob Knott, where melody became both a form of expression and a path of exploration. Rooted in tradition yet shaped by contemporary influences, his music reflects a natural ease with fusion and cross-cultural sound. A co-founder of the Tunes of Feathers YouTube channel, Vaishakh has performed on professional stages and mentored budding musicians through youth and community ensembles. He is currently a junior at North Carolina State University, pursuing a degree in Computer Science, and approaches music as a bridge connecting cultures, generations, and emotions.