Ian Kuo ’25 to Perform with NC All-State Orchestra

Cannon student Ian Kuo ’25 has been accepted into the North Carolina All-State Orchestra for the third consecutive year, a rare honor enjoyed by few high schoolers. The All-State Orchestra features a group of young musicians who are selected to represent their state based on a highly competitive audition process.

Kuo was introduced to strings in fifth grade at Cannon and has primarily focused on double bass since then. He credits his sister Sarah Kuo ’20 for piquing his interest in orchestra, and Orchestra Director Anne Marie Samuel for being a “guiding figure” during his musical career at Cannon. His passion for music has grown to occupy a significant part of his life, through rehearsals, performances, and teaching others. 

The North Carolina Music Educators Association will host the North Carolina All-State Orchestra at the North Carolina School of the Arts the first weekend in November. Kuo will spend the weekend working with Victoria Gua, a nationally renowned conductor and leader of Capital City Symphony (DC). He will perform with the orchestra at a free concert on Sunday, November 10 at 4:30pm in the Stevens Center in Winston-Salem.

Kuo says he enjoys the connections he forms through music. “Music connects people in a way that words can’t,” he says. “Playing a piece of music encapsulates so many memories.” He recalls a few years ago playing at a concert right after his dog died, and how moving and poignant the experience felt.

One of Kuo’s greatest passions has been imparting wisdom through giving music lessons. “Through teaching, I not only spread knowledge, but I also teach passion and curiosity.”