Daniel performs on Show 441.

Daniel Perez-Ponce (marimba), 17, is a Mexican American percussionist from Brooklyn, New York. Currently a senior at LaGuardia High School, he began playing percussion at the age of nine through a program offered by the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance. In his junior year of high school, he began taking private lessons with Eric Phinney at the Bloomingdale School of Music, as a member of the MAP program. That same year, through the MAP program, Daniel was selected as a Van Lier Fellow. The Fellowship gave him the opportunity to perform a recital at the National Opera Center, in the Marc A. Scorca Hall. Of all the instruments in the percussion family, Daniel particularly enjoys the marimba, and he is excited to have the opportunity to share a marimba performance on From the Top. Outside of music, Daniel enjoys taking care of his two turtles, Georgy and Gregory.

Receiving the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award will allow Daniel to purchase much needed percussion instruments. The number of instruments and related accessories needed to study and work as a professional percussionist is great, and receiving the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award will allow Daniel to significantly add to his instrument collection, preparing him for his college studies. The Award funds will also help to cover college audition costs in the coming months.