Derek Nguyen is a senior at Freedom High School in Virginia. He began playing cello at 12 years old. Currently, he leads the cello section of Freedom’s artist orchestra. He has served as a member of Senior All-County and Regional Orchestras since his sophomore year.

Additionally, he has played the piano since 8 years old, becoming an NVMTA Sonata Finalist in his freshman year. He still give bimonthly performances at Capital Caring Health, the hospice center where he volunteers.