Zayla White, cello

The Conroe Symphony Orchestra turns its spotlight on one of its newest members: cellist Zayla White.
In her inaugural season with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra, Zayla White has already made a quiet but powerful impression through her artistry, introspective depth, and a deep love for the unspoken connections formed through music.
Zayla’s journey with the cello began at age nine, driven by a simple, childlike impulse — “I thought it was cool,” she says. That early interest has since grown into a profound passion.
“Two summers ago, I had the opportunity to attend Texas Tech’s Band and Orchestra Camp, and performed in a full orchestra for the first time,” Zayla shares. “The finale to our performance on the last day of camp was Sibelius’ Finlandia. And though this could be due to a fever-ridden mind from my first and only bout with COVID, I felt like I was sinking into the earth. I could feel the vibrations of my cello in sync with everyone on stage, and my blood seemed to bubble in my ears along with the basses’ rumbling strings. In that instant I knew I wouldn’t give up playing cello until I physically couldn’t.”
Music has always been central to Zayla’s family: both of her parents were in Waltrip High School’s marching band, and her father now serves as the full orchestra director at HISD’s Northside High School. While they originally hoped she’d take up a brass instrument, Zayla jokes that they probably are relieved they didn’t have to pay endless band fees. Zayla carved her own path, though — and they’ve supported her every step of the way.
Her path has been shaped by a strong musical foundation and a rich educational journey. Zayla played with the Conroe Youth Symphony Orchestra and is a product of the College Park High School orchestra. Her list of mentors is extensive — from her first formal cello instructor Daniel Saenz to current influences like Daniela Arevalo and camp instructors such as Sarah Stone and Mitch Lyon. She credits orchestra directors Emmanuel Coraza and Mary-Kate Sturgil with having the most significant impact on her growth.
When asked what she loves most about playing in the orchestra, Zayla doesn’t hesitate: “The part I love most about playing in an orchestra is the intimate communication that I hold with others through playing music for and with them.”
The love for playing in a full orchestra is evident as she shared about performing the finale of Sibelius’ Second Symphony. “I hadn’t realized how much of the music I’d memorized,” she recalls. “The intensity was overwhelming. I swore I was going to begin weeping at any moment.”
Zayla brings this same emotional honesty to every aspect of her life. An avid reader and writer, she’s drawn to speculative science fiction and poetry — citing authors like Tamsyn Muir, Neal Shusterman, and David Foster Wallace as favorites. She shares her life with one cat named Shrew, and a deep love for bread. If she weren’t playing cello, she’d be curious to try viola or oboe — “I think it would be fun.”
Zayla’s favorite spot in Conroe? “Downtown. The architecture reminds me of a claymation film set — it’s idyllic in a strange, wonderful way.”
With a sense of humor, emotional depth, and a talent that resonates far beyond her years, Zayla White is a vivid and promising presence within the Conroe Symphony Orchestra. We can’t wait to see where her journey — and her music — takes her next.
Come see Zayla White play at the Conroe Symphony’s Celebrate America concert. The Independence day concert was a favorite of hers last year and we expect it to be yours this year.