We recently connected with SciFi Ensemble and have shared our conversation below.

SciFi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects we’ve developed with SCIFI Ensemble is our Education Program for youth orchestras and schools. From the outset, we’ve believed that the music of our time — from films, video games, and anime — holds immense power to inspire and engage the next generation of string players. What began as a performance ensemble has grown into a comprehensive educational initiative that connects deeply with young musicians by meeting them where they are, through the soundtracks they love.

Our program introduces students to modern string techniques, improvisation, electric instruments, and music technology — tools that are essential for thriving in today’s dynamic musical landscape. When a teenage violinist realizes they can perform the theme from Halo or Undertale using FX pedals to create new textures, it’s an incredibly powerful moment. We’ve witnessed students who were on the verge of quitting their orchestras reignite their passion because they feel seen, included, and creatively challenged.

For us, this is the true magic of SCIFI Ensemble. We bridge tradition and innovation, showing young musicians that the orchestra is not a museum but a living, evolving space where their voices and creativity truly matter.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

We’re Naxo Lara and Lourdes Rosales, co-founders of the SCIFI Ensemble — a project born from our shared passion for reimagining what it means to be string players in the 21st century. With deep roots in classical training and years of international touring experience, we came together to build something that could bridge the gap between tradition and the future of music.

The SCIFI Ensemble blends the worlds we love — orchestral music, film scores, video games, and anime — with cutting-edge electric string instruments and music technology. Our goal has always been to create immersive performances that captivate modern audiences, while challenging outdated expectations of what a string ensemble can be.

Beyond performance, our deepest commitment lies in education. Through our SCIFI Education Program, we’ve had the privilege of working with programs such as the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, MultiStyle Strings Program at New Jersey City University, Mamaroneck High School, and New Brunswick Public Schools — each one a powerful reminder of how transformative this work can be. Our workshops empower students to explore electric strings, improvisation, and creative technology — giving them tools we wish we had access to earlier in our careers.

We’re proud to have earned the trust and support of respected partners like Glasser NY, Larsen Strings North America, and New Jersey City University. Their backing affirms the strength of our vision and helps us expand our impact in meaningful, sustainable ways.

What sets us apart is not only our artistic approach, but the purpose behind it: we’re building a new space for string players to thrive — one that is innovative, inclusive, and built for the next generation. We want potential collaborators, educators, and audiences to know that SCIFI Ensemble is more than a show — it’s a movement to redefine string performance, and we’re proud to be leading it.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

We are driven by a clear mission: to modernize the classical string tradition and help prepare the next generation of musicians for a rapidly evolving musical world. Looking back on our own training, we often reflect on how transformative it would have been to learn about modern techniques, improvisation, and music technology from an early age. That realization fuels our creative journey today and shapes everything we do with the SCIFI Ensemble.

Through our SCIFI Education Program, we aim to empower young string players not only to master classical foundations but also to explore the tools, sounds, and ideas that resonate with today’s audiences. We incorporate electric instruments, improvisation, and technology, but we also place great emphasis on new repertoires, including film scores, video game music, and other contemporary genres that connect with students on a deeper level. These styles aren’t just popular — they demand a broad range of musical and technical skills that align with the professional expectations placed on modern musicians.

A major step forward in this mission has been the support of New Jersey City University, whose partnership has brought tremendous credibility and momentum to our work. Having a university stand behind the SCIFI Education Program is more than just symbolic — it’s a sign of real trust and recognition of the value we bring to music education. Their support plays a critical role in helping us reach new communities, expand access, and ultimately create lasting change in how young musicians see their instruments, their creativity, and their future careers.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For us, the most rewarding part of being artists is the ability to inspire, connect, and ignite imagination. Through SCIFI Ensemble, we’ve created a space where our love for music — especially film scores, video game soundtracks, and anime — becomes a powerful tool to reach people on a deeper emotional level. Performing and teaching this music isn’t just entertaining; it’s transformative. It allows us to bridge generations, build community, and speak directly to young musicians in a language they understand and care about.

We pour our hearts into this project because we know what it means to feel seen and inspired. Seeing a student light up when they realize they can bring their favorite themes to life on a string instrument — that moment never gets old. It’s a reminder of why we started: to break boundaries, to modernize music education, and to show that passion, creativity, and excellence can go hand in hand.

This journey is not just about performing — it’s about creating lasting impact, both on stage and in the classroom. That’s what drives us every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.scifiensemble.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scifiensemble/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SciFiEnsemble#
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Tv2OJ__LgKQO7T8abWKVw
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@scifiensemble
  https://open.spotify.com/artist/5dqsN9g0ncrxuJEdgRVrTf

Image Credits

SCIFI Ensemble