Twin Sisters Lisa and Isla Naples Shine in Connecticuts All-State Music Festivals

In the heart of Connecticut’s competitive music scene, two 16‑year‑old twins have carved a path of distinction that rivals their senior classmates. Lisa, a violinist who leads the orchestra at Kent School, and Isla, a clarinetist at New Britain High School with plans to transfer to Northwest Catholic next fall, have both earned top honors while still attending high school.

Their musical journeys began in elementary school, a period disrupted by the COVID‑19 pandemic. Isla remembers, “I had chosen the clarinet for no obvious rhyme or reason, unaware of the joy it would bring to my life.” The sisters’ early interest was nurtured through middle‑school programs such as the Hartt Community Division, where they trained with seasoned musicians. Their private teachers, Lisa Rautenberg and Curt Blood, are members of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

Entering New Britain as freshmen in 2024, the twins quickly made an impact. They performed together in the CMEA Northern Regional Orchestra—Lisa on violin and Isla on clarinet—and Lisa became the first known freshman violinist from the school to be selected for the All‑State orchestra.

In the winter of 2025, the twins returned to the regional stage. Isla earned the role of principal clarinet, while Lisa continued to play first violin. Their performances secured them spots in the 2026 All‑State Festival: Isla as principal clarinet in the concert band and Lisa as first violin in the orchestra.

The All‑State Festival, held in Hartford, spans several days of rehearsals and performances with the state’s top student musicians. For both sisters, the experience marked a significant milestone. Isla said, “Words cannot describe how happy I was when I heard my all‑state score. I felt all the work I’d put in over the past months had finally paid off.”

Their mother, Kirsty Naples, praised the twins’ focus and discipline. “We have never had to tell the girls to practice,” she noted. “We realized quickly that they loved their instruments and learning to play.”

Outside of performances, the twins balance rigorous schedules that include schoolwork, daily practice, and other extracurricular activities. Isla estimates she practices about two hours a day, while Lisa maintains a similar routine and participates in school activities at Kent.

Looking ahead, Isla hopes to join the National Youth Orchestra and study clarinet in college. Lisa plans to continue leading and performing in orchestras. Both sisters emphasize the value of sharing musical moments together, describing those shared stage experiences as priceless.

The Naples twins’ achievements illustrate the strength of Connecticut’s music education infrastructure, from elementary programs to state‑wide festivals. Their progression from local school ensembles to All‑State recognition demonstrates how early exposure, quality instruction, and sustained practice can propel young musicians to high levels of accomplishment.

As the 2026 All‑State Festival concludes, the twins remain active in their respective schools and community programs, preparing for the next phase of their musical careers.