Teens' piano duet performance to benefit charity

Two Houston teens are a piano duet act getting lots of attention. Kenneth Yu and Kerrigan Quenemoen were national finalists for their talents just months ago at the Music Teachers National Association Awards (MTNA) in Chicago. Now, as Yu completes his senior year, he along with some help from Quenemoen, will hold a charity concert.

The duo started playing the piano more than a decade ago.

"It's really amusing having another person practice beside you. We can talk and converse," says Yu.

It's quite the relationship these two share. Quenemoen adds, "You know, I like to ask about his personal life, and he doesn't like to tell me. We've kind of formed a good brother/sister relationship bond."

Their piano instructor, Matthew Loudermilk, has watched them grow up and grow musically. "I think they bring out the best in each other, and they're very exciting to listen to and watch," says Loudermilk.

Along the way, their biggest fans -- their moms -- have sat in on their many lessons and recitals cheering them on.

"They have been working so hard, and Kenneth has practiced every day, one hour to two hours," says Fei Lu.

Caroline Quenemoen adds, "It's a joy to listen to her play, also to listen to her and Kenneth play."

Six months ago, as Yu realized he was approaching his senior year of high school, he decided he wanted to have a concert, and Quenmoen will join him.

"We'll be able to take the audience on a journey through our pieces and hopefully they'll be able to get our characters and the stories we're telling," says Quenemoen.

Yu decided to add another layer to his concert by donating all proceeds to Make a Wish Foundation, and he enrolled his twin sister, Katharine, to help organize. "So far, we've raised more than $10,000, which is amazing," says Yu.

"I think it's important to give to these children and their families to help them get through these tough times and harsh treatments and pain they have to go through at such a young age," says Yu.

The concert will be on October 19th at 4pm at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church. 1900 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057. For tickets or information on how to donate, visit awishforyu.weebly.com.