Larry Zhao: Director

Larry Zhao is a seventeen-year-old senior at Skyline High School. Larry started studying clarinet at the age of ten and is currently a student of Emil Khudyev, the Associate Principal Clarinet of the Seattle Symphony. In 2020, Larry placed first in the state in the annual Music Teachers National Association competition. Within the same year, he won the award for Most Achieved Musician in the Skyline High School Wind Ensemble. In 2022, Larry performed as Assistant Principal clarinetist for the Western International Band Clinic. In 2023, Larry won the Washington Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble regional competition and advanced as a finalist at the state-level competition. During the same year, he received a merit scholarship to attend the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp. While at Interlochen, Larry performed as the Principal Clarinet of the World Youth Wind Symphony. In 2024, Larry won the Evergreen Concerto Competition and performed as a soloist in the Evergreen Philharmonic Concerto Concert. Additionally, Larry received a full scholarship to attend Interlochen Summer Camp. While at Interlochen, he performed as the principal clarinet of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra and advanced as a finalist in the Interlochen Concerto Competition. Outside of music, Larry enjoys playing tennis and skiing.