From Menlo Park to Germany: Young violinists win top honors in renowned music competition
Two young violinists from Menlo Park have made an international impression, earning first prizes at Jugend musiziert (“Youth Makes Music”), Germany’s premier youth music competition. Brothers Daniel (11) and David (8) Herbrich traveled with their parents, Melina Gehring and Peter Herbrich — along with their violins — all the way to Lake Constance in southern Germany to compete.
Daniel received 23 of 25 points, winning first prize, and he now advances to the state round. David earned a perfect 25/25 points, also winning first prize, but he is too young to be eligible for the next round.
The event is a major milestone in the musical upbringing of many young German musicians. In 2024, more than 16,000 participants took part in the nationwide competition. “I participated in Jugend musiziert every year from ages 11 to 19,” says Gehring, who works as a project manager at Stanford University. Now, 25 years later, she stepped onto the competition stage once again — this time as her sons’ piano accompanist.
To win first prizes in the regional “first round,” Daniel and David had to impress a panel of three judges with a polished 10-minute performance. While Daniel and his mother would be eager to return to Germany in April to compete against the top violinists from the state of Baden-Württemberg, they won’t be able to take time away from school, work, and other commitments so soon after the recent trip.
For Daniel and David, both students at Encinal Elementary in the Menlo Park City School District, this was their first-ever competition of any kind. But if they felt any nerves, they didn’t show it. “I love playing the violin,” says Daniel, who has been studying the instrument for five and a half years. “Sometimes I can express myself better with music than with words— I love how the sound resonates through my body.”
The brothers study with Katie House, a Suzuki teacher based in Sunnyvale, who helps them refine their pieces for regular studio recitals. Their mother is a devoted Suzuki parent who has been learning to play the violin alongside her children, making daily practice sessions more engaging and enjoyable. “We work on the same repertoire and tackle the same technical challenges,” she explains. “It helps me be a better coach for them — or, in Suzuki terms, a better ‘practice parent.'”
In addition to his daily practice with mom, Daniel also plays with the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO), a highly regarded institution in Silicon Valley’s music education scene. It fosters collaboration and musicianship — true to its motto, “Plays Well With Others.”
With their first competition behind them — and a pair of prestigious awards to show for it —the Herbrich brothers have set a high bar for their musical journey ahead. But for now, their focus is shifting to other stages: Daniel is preparing to play Prince Hans in Encinal’s production of Frozen, while David is still humming melodies from The Lion King after playing Scar the weekend before their trip to Germany.
Daniel is also a passionate water polo player with the Stanford Water Polo Club, and David is playing in the Minors division with Menlo Atherton Little League.
View the performances: David’s performance; Daniel’s performance.
