Senior Kevin Hernandez finds his sanctuary not in the classroom or sports field, but instead inside the midst of the orchestra room. Music is a way for Hernandez to express his feelings and become a storyteller while he plays the cello.

“Music can also be an agent for change, and I find that extremely cool, that I can make a difference for someone’s life,” Hernadez said with small pauses and a big smile.

Over the past five years, Hernandez has been on over 15 music trips, for both competitions and camps.

His favorite competition was when he was in eighth grade; he was part of the Sprezzatura quartet. The group consisted of Hernandez, two violinists and a violist, one of whom performed for President Barack Obama while he was in office and the other of whom is ranked among the top ten in the nation.

¨We won the BIPOC section and [placed third] in the competition, which we were proud of, because some of the other groups were extremely good,¨ Hernandez said.

Vielza Concepcion and Belford Hernandez are Hernandez’s parents who have helped shape him into the musician he is today. Belford Hernandez, his Dad, has assisted his music journey by getting him connected with venues to perform at. Vielza Concepcion, his Mom, has dedicated her time to help drive Hernandez to his camps, practices and competitions.

“Watching Kevin grow on his own musical journey and discovering his passion of sharing his talent and also enjoying his learning path is always exciting for us parents. We are proud of all his accomplishments,” Vielza said.

Hernandez’s parents are both music educators, which helped him start his music journey at only five years old. About seven years ago, Hernandez joined a music school in Chicago to better his knowledge of his passion for music. Since then, he has been taught by multiple different music teachers to become the musician he is today.

“My parents taught and showed me how music is a way to help others and connect emotionally,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez has devoted his time to music during all four seasons, whether he is participating in DGS pit orchestra, getting lessons, participating in competitions and camps or even performing for money. Outside of school, he is the principal cello in the Youth Symphony of Dupage.

In the future, he plans to start his own chamber group with his fellow musicians that he met from music camps from all over the country.

“I also meet kids outside of Chicago in summer camps, I met a good friend during Heifetz, he’s like one of the best of the best cellists in the country, he got third in the Tchaikovsky competitions in Russia last year, and he is only 15,” Hernandez said.