Steven Xinzhe Zhou, a student of Debra S. Hughes since 2013, had the honor of receiving the 75 point Grand Cup for Piano Solo. Steven is a Junior at Gwinnett County School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, the first ranked high school in Georgia and ninth in national rankings because of its advanced academic rigor. He has performed in the Gwinnett County West Senior Club for eleven years and has received superior every year in Piano Solo and combined Senior Concerto beginning in ninth grade. Steven has consistently won local awards at yearly Music Day competitions and the second place scholarship for his performance with his Federation Festival music as a freshman. He has received high marks in GMTA’s state music theory exams and their auditions. This year he performed Liszt’s Sonata in B minor. Other than piano, Steven plays violin in his school’s orchestra, is a member of the National Honor Society and participates in math competitions. Outside of school, he enjoys hanging out with friends, working out, playing video games and reading books. He is hopeful to earn the 90 point gold cup like his older brother. Beethoven is his favorite composer and will again add another sonata to his repertoire for this coming year’s competitions and NFMC Festival. Steven plans to pursue a degree in computer science after graduation.
