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Dayna Hepler joined the National Symphony Orchestra as assistant principal second violin in 2020. Growing up in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Dayna began playing violin at the age of four with Suzuki teacher Betty Haag. She continued her studies with Desirée Ruhstrat and was later accepted into The Curtis Institute of Music, earning a Bachelor of Music with teacher and Philadelphia Orchestra violinist Yumi Ninomiya Scott.

Shortly before graduation, Dayna began her professional career, winning the concertmaster position with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. From there, Ms. Hepler has held numerous titled positions, including concertmaster of Opera Philadelphia, assistant concertmaster of the Pennsylvania Ballet and Harrisburg Symphony Orchestras, assistant concertmaster of the Grant Park Orchestra, as well as being a member of the second violin section of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.

In addition to Dayna’s positions, she was a regular substitute with the Philadelphia Orchestra and performed with them on numerous international tours throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. She has also been a substitute musician with the Baltimore, Indianapolis, and National Symphony Orchestras. As a student, she spent two summers with the Verbier Festival Orchestra and two summers at the chamber music festival Music from Angel Fire. Dayna has enjoyed performing chamber music with artists such as the Lincoln Trio, Ida Kavafian, Steven Tenenbom, Roberto Diaz with Curtis on Tour, and Jeremy Denk. She can be heard on studio recordings with artists such as Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Meek Mill, Jennifer Lopez, Daughtry, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, and on multiple NFL Films projects.

Dayna resides in Maryland with her husband, Nate Hepler, who holds the second trumpet position with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.