Daniel is a clarinetist from Gainesville Florida, and is a senior from Eastside High School. He has been playing the clarinet for 9 years and has been a member of the Alachua County Youth Orchestra for 4 years. Daniel has been selected to be part of the FMEA All State program for multiple years and has received superior ratings at both district and state Solo and Ensemble. He has also made the Alachua County Honor Band for four years. In 2026, Daniel was selected to be a member of the Honor Band of America in the Music for All National Festival. Outside of music, he is an active member in his school’s swim team and Model United Nations club.
Watch Daniel Xinyu Ai perform Sonata No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op 120 No. 2, Mvt 1 by Johannes Brahms on the clarinet for the 2026 Autumn Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.