Crystal Zhao is a freshman at Diamond Bar High School and a dedicated young flutist. She began piano at the age of 5, which sparked her early love for music. In 6th grade, she discovered the flute and was drawn to its expressive sound and rich tone, eventually making it her primary instrument. By 8th grade at South Pointe Middle School, Crystal served as Band President and Principal Flute of her school’s Wind Ensemble.
Crystal has been selected to the California All-State and All-Southern Honor Ensembles for four consecutive years (2023–2026) and served as Principal Flutist of the 2025 California All-State Junior High School Symphonic Band.
Now a freshman at Diamond Bar High School, Crystal is part of the Performing Arts Academy and performs in both the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. Outside of school, she performs with the Claremont Young Musicians Orchestra Intermezzo, in which she serves as Principal Flute.
In the summer of 2026, Crystal will attend the Boston University Tanglewood Institute as a member of the Young Artist Wind Ensemble and the Eastman School of Music masterclass with Bonita Boyd. In previous summers, she participated in the Philadelphia International Music Festival Solo Preparation Program and attended the L.A. Youth Philharmonic Orchestra Summer Program for the past two years. She recently appeared as a soloist with the LAYPO chamber orchestra. Crystal has also received numerous awards in national and international music competitions.
W. A. Mozart, Flute Concerto in G major, 2nd mvt
