MCPS recently spotlighted Max Nguyen, a junior at Wootton High School in Rockville, who has garnered widespread attention for his remarkable rendition of “Stick Season,” a song by musician Noah Kahan. The performance was highlighted by Kahan himself as a story on his Instagram story, which boasts over 2 million followers.
Nguyen’s viral moment came during an impromptu gig at the Junior National Hospital’s Sunflower Music Festival. When the scheduled band was unable to perform, Nguyen stepped in to deliver an hour-long set, showcasing his talent and passion for music. The hospital shared a video of his performance online, which ultimately caught Kahan’s eye and led to the unexpected recognition.
Born with cerebral palsy, MCPS shared that Nguyen has faced challenges with hand tension and mobility throughout his life. However, his enthusiasm for music blossomed in first grade when his father encouraged him to learn the piano as a form of physical therapy for his hands. This early introduction laid the foundation for his musical journey.
A significant turning point came during his ninth-grade year at Seneca Valley High School when he met Christopher Mercado, a teacher who introduced him to the guitar. Although Nguyen had previously attempted to learn the instrument twice, he had been discouraged by the belief that it was too difficult due to his condition. Mercado, however, presented the guitar in an accessible way, proving to Nguyen that nothing is impossible.
Since then, Nguyen has continued to grow as a musician. He has taken on the role of a teacher’s assistant under Keith Schwartz, a music teacher at Wootton High School. In this position, Nguyen has played a pivotal role in developing a curriculum for guitar classes, ensuring that lessons are relatable and accessible for beginners. The full MCPS video can be seen below:
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