The Aced Quartet is a passionate and dynamic chamber ensemble featuring four talented 9th grader young musicians: Erin Yi (violin), Ashton Yang (violin), Claire Kim (viola), and Dohyung Kim (cello). Under the guidance of their coach, Jennifer Lee, they are dedicated to refining their artistry and contributing to their community through music.
Erin Yi began her study of violin with Mrs. Sarah Lee at the age of eight. Erin has participated in the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras for the past seven years, where she was the Associate Concertmaster (Young Artist, 2022-2023) and the Concertmaster (Symphony, 2023-2024 & Chamber Ensemble, 2024-2025). In addition, she participated in the Maryland All-State Junior Orchestra in 2023 and 2024. As a young competitor, she has earned three first-place awards in violin: YMIC Metropohan Solo & Chamber Music Festival, 2018, YMIC Metropolitan Gospel Music Festival, 2020 (a recipient of the Special Jury Award), and Crescendo International Music Competition, 2022 (performed at the Carnegie Hall, NY). When Erin is not playing the violin, she enjoys bike riding, swimming, playing tennis, and spending time with her family and friends.
Ashton Yang began studying violin at age eleven with Ms. Kelly Hsu and has participated in the Maryland All-State Junior Orchestra and MCYO for two years. He is a member of the Washington Asian Philharmonic Orchestra. He enjoys playing baseball, basketball, tennis, and piano.
Claire Kim started playing the viola in the second grade with Dr.Maria Montano and has been a part of MCYO for 7 years, the Maryland All-State Orchestra for 2 years, and the MCPS Junior Honors Ensembles and currently serves as the principal violist of MCYO Chamber Ensembles and All-State Junior Orchestra. She won the American Virtuoso International Competition and the Maestro Carnegie debut audition, leading to two performances at Carnegie Hall. Claire was also invited to the Douro Strings Academy Music Festival in Portugal last summer. Claire shares her love for music through performances.
Dohyung Kim is a 9th-grade student at Montgomery Blair High School with 6 years of experience playing the cello. He has been a member of the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras (MCYO) for 5 years and has participated in the Maryland All-State Orchestra for 2 years. Beyond music, he served as the vice president of Cabin John Middle School and is currently a member of the Montgomery County Student Government.
The Aced Quartet has committed themselves to sharing their love of music and connecting with the audience with captivating performances. They work to inspire others and share the beauty of chamber music.
Watch The Aced Quartet (Erin Yi, Ashton Yang, Claire Kim, Dohyung Kim) perform String Quartet No.12 in F major, Op 96, ‘The American’ 1st Mov by Antonín Dvořák for the 2025 Winter Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.