- My name is David Fu, I am from Albany Academy, and I play the piano.

(ethereal piano music) I played the Liszt "Hungarian Rhapsody No.

11."

I would describe it as very contrasting between very flourishing, bright colors to something very grounded, almost march-like.

(ethereal piano music) It was something that I was interested in, and it was my first Hungarian Rhapsody, so when I looked at it, I was like, I wanted to learn this.

My teacher was like, all right, I think it's a good way to start, a Hungarian Rhapsody, and then I started learning it, and it was difficult at first, certainly, it took me a while, but it was something that I really enjoyed along the ride.

(elegant piano music) In the middle section, there is this very grounded, almost swagger Hungarian dance.

It really contrasts from what it was before, which was a representation of the cimbalom, so the middle section gives a very strong, out-bringing color.

(bright joyous piano music) I've been seeing pianos since I was born, so I've seen a piano, like, upstairs, downstairs, there was an electric piano, and I just liked to babble around, just press the keys when I was a baby, and when I was like four, I just started wanting to learn how to actually play piano, instead of just pressing down random keys.

I need to be grateful, my parents found this teacher around here that gave me lessons for a few years, and I want to continue piano as a career.

Hopefully, I get there.

(elegant lively piano music) My practice routine is very intensive.

Usually after school or after some sort of activity, I would start practicing like a five-hour routine.

I would start with either like etudes, or some exercises, and then I would start polishing the work I've already done, so like, my repertoire, my past repertoire, and then I would go polish the pieces that I'm currently learning, do a little side reading.

I also do composition, I write music, and, yeah, that's my practice routine.

(bright elegant piano music) Mr. Rich Johnson, the Department Chair of Visual Arts at my school, nominated me for this program.

I would love to thank my parents, my mom and dad.

It's not easy to raise a kid 16 years, supporting me through music and two private schools.

I am deeply grateful for them.

I will also love to thank my piano teacher, Mr. Julian Martin.

He's been my teacher for five years, and I wouldn't be here where I am without him.

I will also like to thank my previous teacher, Mr. William Jones, for helping me start piano.

I'd like to thank Mr. Rich Johnson for nominating me, Sam Wang, who also nominated me, and all the people who supported me along the way.

Thank you.

(lively passionate piano music)