Valerie Lai, 16, began studying cello at the age of nine and is currently a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ).

Valerie is a 2024 National Young Arts Winner in Classical Music and the 2023-2024 Virginia State Winner of the Music Teachers National Association Senior String Competition. She made her solo debut with the Richmond Symphony at the age of 14 after winning first place in the 2023 Richmond Symphony League Concerto Competition. Her chamber group, the Ayr Hill Trio, won first place in the 2024 Asian American Music Society Ensemble Competition and performed on the Millenium Stage at the Kennedy Center.

Valerie currently serves as Principal Cellist of the TJ Symphonic Orchestra. She was a member of the Virginia All-State Orchestra and Assistant Principal Cellist of the Northern Virginia Senior Regional Orchestra for the past two years. Valerie was also Principal Cellist of the American Youth Philharmonic from 2022-2024.

Besides playing the cello, Valerie enjoys volunteering for youth programs, baking, rowing, and watching political dramas.