Hometown:
Austin, Texas
Education:
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2027)
Bio:
Kai studies at the Eastman School of Music with Prof. Michael Burritt. His orchestral experience includes time at the Ted Atkatz Percussion Seminar and Napa Valley Blackburn Academy. As a soloist, he has received prizes for the 2025 Yamaha Young Artists program and the 2024 Modern Snare Drum Competition, and advanced to the semifinals for the 2025 IPEA Competition. As an avid chamber musician, he plays frequently with his quartet 4M Percussion.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I stumbled upon music by accident! After joining band in middle school without much thought, I fell in love with the process of practice and gradual improvement, and found a deep appreciation for the artistic expression possible through music.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Andy Akiho’s Seven Pillars. I obsessed over this piece in high school, and seeing it live was one of the things that made me seriously consider studying music.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
My favorite thing about being a percussionist is that literally anything can be a percussion instrument! I love the sound of glass bottles in particular.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I enjoy spending time outdoors and going on hikes, which I look forward to doing in Breckenridge!
Why did you choose the NRO?
I chose the NRO in order to become a more well rounded musician. I rarely got the opportunity to play in orchestras before my time at Eastman, and while it has been a core part of my studies over the last three years, I have focused the most on solo and chamber music. I believe the experience I will get through the NRO, particularly because of the amount and range of repertoire, will help me in feeling ready for any performance situation.