David Chan is a world-renowned violinist, conductor, and educator. After attending LJCDS for 10 years, he went on to study at Harvard University and The Juilliard School before establishing himself as one of the world’s leading violinists, becoming a prizewinner at the International Tchaikovsky Competition and the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis.

After serving for 25 years as concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra from 2000-2025, teaching at Juilliard, and leading the Orchestral Performance Program at the Manhattan School of Music, David began a position as Professor of Violin at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music in the fall of 2025. David will be making his Houston Grand Opera debut next season, conducting Mozart’s Magic Flute.

His exceptional achievements, leadership, and commitment to mentoring young musicians have earned him recognition as the performing-artist inductee in the inaugural LJCDS Arts Hall of Fame class.

Byron Kim is an American contemporary minimalist artist whose work explores perception, identity, and portraiture. Byron’s senior project at LJCDS, one of his early sculptural works, became a beloved and prominent feature of LJCDS’ campus identity. The white concrete multi-piece project stood for many years on the lawn outside the former art building, next to the observatory. 

In 1983, Byron earned his degree from Yale University and went on to study at Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. He is now regarded as one of the most significant minimalist painters of his generation. His landmark series Synecdoche—a grid of more than 400 skin-tone panels representing individuals he has encountered—has been exhibited at institutions including the Whitney Museum and Tate Modern and is part of the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. His ongoing “Sunday” paintings continue his exploration of observation and memory.

Byron is a Senior Critic in Painting/Printmaking and Co-Director at the Yale Norfolk School of Art, and continues to exhibit internationally, with work shown in major museums and art fairs, including Art Basel in Miami.

An LJCDS lifer, Agnes Chu’s passion for the arts was cultivated from an early age by longtime music educator Keith Heldman. She participated in the chorus, took Heldman’s Upper School AP Music class, and rented the LJCDS theater to put on full productions of Into the Woods by Steven Sondheim and Rumors by Neil Simon.

Agnes earned an undergraduate degree in art, film, and visual studies from Harvard University, an MBA in media management and entrepreneurship from Columbia University, and began an impactful career in the arts. She joined Disney in 2008, where she served as Vice President of the Office of CEO Bob Iger from 2013 to 2016 and as Senior Vice President of Content for Disney+ from 2017 to 2020, overseeing the launch of content for the streaming service, including Star Wars’ The Mandalorian.

Agnes served as President of Entertainment at Condé Nast from 2020 to 2023, before co-founding Firecracker Media Group. Her visionary leadership, creative achievements, and lasting contributions to the arts make her a deserving inaugural inductee of the LJCDS Arts Hall of Fame.

As Upper School Music Director from 1968 to 2002, Keith Heldman inspired a love of music and performance in generations of students. For 34 years, Keith helped students build confidence and experience the joy of collaborative performance. A dynamic educator, he staged ambitious productions ranging from Broadway favorites to rock concerts and guided students in the classroom through rigorous music theory instruction.

Keith played a pivotal role in developing hallmarks of the performing arts at LJCDS that continue to thrive, including the Madrigal Singers and Lower School Grandparents’ Day, where his original song “When Grandma Comes to My House” is still performed.

His pioneering and visionary work laid an invaluable foundation for the performing arts at LJCDS. His legacy lives on as the founder of the robust music program that flourishes today and in the multitudes of students whose lives and love of music he helped shape. LJCDS is proud to include Keith Heldman in the 2026 Arts Hall of Fame class, in recognition of his visionary leadership and enduring impact.

Wally Wulfeck is a longtime and deeply cherished member of the LJCDS performing arts community, whose decades of support have made him an indispensable presence in the school musicals, concerts, and traditions. As a volunteer bassist, he has performed in countless pit orchestras for Middle and Upper School musicals, Pop-Rock concerts, and Grandparents’ Day performances, consistently showing up with enthusiasm, reliability, and a deep love for the program.

A parent of lifer alumna Sarah Wulfeck ’97 and current LJCDS grandparent, Wally’s connection to LJCDS spans generations. With his unwavering commitment to LJCDS’ performing arts programs, students, and faculty, Wally exemplifies tireless dedication to the arts community.

Above all, he is a steadfast advocate for the performing arts at LJCDS, whose presence has become synonymous with its productions.