Webster CMS Student Selected for the National Youth Orchestra

Katherine Nguyen, a talented violinist in the Webster University Community Music School Preparatory Program, has been selected to join the prestigious National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA). This remarkable achievement places Nguyen, a junior at Clayton High School, among the most outstanding young musicians in the country. 

Each summer, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute assembles the brightest young instrumentalists from across the United States to form NYO-USA. This highly selective program, which is free for all participants, provides an unparalleled opportunity for young musicians to train with leading professional orchestra musicians in an intensive multi-week residency. Following this rigorous preparation, the orchestra embarks on a tour, showcasing their talents in renowned music capitals around the world while serving as cultural ambassadors for American classical music. 

In the summer of 2025, the NYO-USA will convene from July 5 to August 7, under the baton of esteemed conductor Gianandrea Noseda. The ensemble will also perform alongside internationally acclaimed violinist Ray Chen. This year’s tour will take the orchestra across Asia, marking a significant milestone with NYO-USA’s debut performances in Japan.

“Katherine’s selection for this esteemed program is a well-earned recognition of her exceptional talent, dedication, and musical artistry. She is a passionate and driven musician who continually strives for excellence, and it has been a privilege to witness her growth," said Nicole Springer, director of the Community Music School of Webster University. "Her achievement is not only a testament to her hard work but also an inspiration to her peers and reflects the outstanding training and support provided by the CMS Preparatory Program. I have no doubt that she will make a profound impact as she embarks on this incredible journey with NYO-USA.”

Nguyen's interest in music began at the age of seven when she started playing the piano under Vera Parkins. Soon after, she experimented with the violin through her elementary school’s strings program. She quickly fell in love with string music and began studying under St. Louis Symphony violinist Joo Kim.

Recently, she switched to the viola, studying with Joanna Mendoza of the Arianna String Quartet and UMSL Music School.   
Throughout Nguyen's musical journey, she has garnered numerous awards and experiences. She participated in Webster University's Young People's Symphonic Orchestra, the Missouri All-State Orchestra, the Jacobs School of Music Summer Strings Academy, and St. Louis's Inaugural Credo Camp. Currently, she is the Co-principal Violist of the St. Louis Youth Symphony and the Violist of the Raemonia Quartet through Webster's Preparatory Program. She has also received prestigious recognition both regionally and nationally.  

In 2024, she won 1st place in the 10th-12th Grade Strings Division of the Missouri Music Teacher Associations Competition. She is a 2025 YoungArts Winner in the Classical Music Viola Division, won 2nd Place for the 10th Edition of the Enkor International Strings Competition, and was selected to participate in the National Youth Orchestra for 2025. 

Beyond honing her craft as a musician, Nguyen also enjoys connecting music to the community. She co-leads the Clayton Buskers Club and Tri-M Music Society and is one of the Artistic Directors of the annual Very Asian Concert. On the side, she provides private lessons to children. In her free time, she enjoys drinking boba tea, listening to music, and spending time with family. She thanks her mentors, Vera Parkins, Joo Kim, Joanna Mendoza, Daniel Henderson, her family, and the music community for the support and guidance they have provided throughout the years.   

To learn more about NYO-USA and its upcoming tour, visit Carnegie Hall’s website.