HCPSS Students to Perform in National Youth Orchestra

June 3rd, 2026

Two Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) students have been selected to participate in the 2026 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA). Qiao (Jacqi) Fan, a violist who recently graduated from Centennial High School, and Samuel Lee, a bassoonist from Atholton High School, are among only 97 musicians nationwide to be selected for the program.

As members of NYO-USA, Fan and Lee will participate in an intensive two-week training residency at Purchase College, State University of New York (SUNY), led by professional orchestra musicians. They will also perform a concert at Carnegie Hall on July 31 and at locations around Europe.

Tickets to the Carnegie Hall concert are available. Discounted student tickets will be available to any student with valid ID at the box office or over the phone.

Additional information about the NYO-USA can be found online.