Our Team

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Kathleen Wang is currently a student at Carnegie Mellon University with plans to major in computer science. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Kathleen started learning the piano at the age of 5 and has won numerous competitions, including at district and state levels. Not only does she possess musical talent, but she also has a passion for helping others. Utilizing her piano and music skills, she founded a community initiative aimed at assisting those in need.  Additionally, Kathleen served as the Vice President of the National Honor Society (NHS) at her high school, where she eagerly contributes to the betterment of the community. She also finds joy in mentoring younger students academically and coaching swimmers. Kathleen wishes for her music to spark joy in her listeners.

Hunter is a dual-enrolled student at both James Madison High School and Northern Virginia Community College. When not busy with schoolwork, Hunter works hard to improve his community. He is a founding officer of A Taste of Home, Inc., which has brought over 750,000 servings of food to a local shelter and to the food pantries of local middle schools. Hunter’s work to eliminate food waste was featured on ABC News and has earned him national, state, and local recognition. He is also a member of the Maple Valley Library Teen Advisory Board (6+ years), the Swim Strong Dry Land Teen Advisory Board (3+ years), the Wild Virginia Clean Water Advocates Program (3+ years), the Student Government Association of the Northern Virginia Community College (3+ years), and the Youth Conservation Leadership Institute (1+ years). Hunter is thrilled to share his love of music with the Sound of Youth by playing the saxophone and trumpet at local concerts.

At 17, Sydney Guthrie graduated from Northern Virginia Community College with an Associate’s Degree, and is currently a senior at James Madison High School. Sydney is a four-year recipient of the Presidential Gold Service Award, representing more than 700 hours of community service during that time period. She helps run a non-profit, which brings food to a local shelter, is a four-year member of a library’s teen advisory board, and is a member of the student government association of a local college. When she’s not volunteering, Sydney is engaged in other activities, including swimming, working as a swim coach, and at a local doctor’s office. As a former flute player who misses her grandparents, she found Sound of Youth to be a perfect way for her to continue contributing to her community.

 Annie Gao is a sophomore at McLean High School in McLean, VA. At age 4, she began her journey to learn the piano, leading to her 11 years of piano experience and counting. To further her passion for music, Annie has additionally played the cello for 5 years and involved herself as a board member in an orchestra for 1 year. Beyond her musical talents, she contributes to local education, working as a teacher's assistant at Hope Chinese School. Additionally, she aided her school's Science Olympiad team to rank 5th place at the national level for two years in a row. When Annie is not volunteering, she enjoys other activities, such as swimming, coaching at her summer pool, spending time with her friends, furthering her desire to learn, and founding a non-profit of her own. Annie's genuine passion and multifaceted talents ensure a bright future and a positive impact on the community.

 Ashley Ding is currently a Junior at Chantilly High School, who has developed a deep sense of appreciation for service to others through her various volunteering experiences: such as her position as a teaching assistant for Hope Chinese School, piano performances in various senior communities, tutoring geometry at school through math honor society and more. She hopes to continue to contribute through her musical talents and her strong passion for the arts; having played the piano for over ten years, and painting for five. Her other hobbies include Debate, cooking, and checking out new cafes. 

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