13-Year-Old Oklahoma Cellist Triumphs After Hand Injury

Norman teen fights to compete after a horrific burn injury just days before her big orchestra audition.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Thirteen-year-old Celine Piak, a cellist from Norman, Oklahoma, was preparing for a big audition for the North Central Honor Orchestra when she suffered a serious hand injury just days before the audition. Despite the setback, Celine was determined to participate and, with the help of her doctors, was able to perform in the audition and ultimately make it into the orchestra.

Why it matters

Celine's story highlights the resilience and dedication of young musicians who face unexpected challenges, as well as the importance of supportive medical care in helping them overcome obstacles and pursue their passions.

The details

Celine, who had been practicing for months, suffered second-degree burns to her left hand after spilling hot liquid on it just days before her big audition. The staff at the Integris Health Baptist burn center worked quickly to develop a treatment plan that would allow Celine to continue practicing and participate in the audition, despite the pain and difficulty of playing the cello with her injured hand.

  • Celine suffered the hand injury just days before her big orchestra audition.
  • Celine was able to participate in the audition with the help of her doctors.

The players

Celine Piak

A 13-year-old cellist from Norman, Oklahoma who was preparing for a big orchestra audition when she suffered a serious hand injury.

Hanjong Piak

Celine's father, who witnessed her suffering the hand injury and was proud of her determination to overcome the challenge.

Cayla Owen

A physician's assistant at the Integris Health Baptist burn center who was impressed by Celine's ability to work through the challenging situation.

Dr. Bill Nechtow

Celine's attending physician at the Integris Health Baptist burn center who developed a treatment plan to allow her to continue practicing and participate in the audition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Generally, even for people who this happens to at work, they take a whole week off.”

— Cayla Owen, physician's assistant

“We had to come up with this strategy that would allow her to keep practicing and perhaps participate in the audition.”

— Dr. Bill Nechtow, attending physician

“I was proud because she didn't give up.”

— Hanjong Piak

What’s next

Celine will continue to work with her doctors to fully heal her hand and prepare for future musical opportunities.

The takeaway

Celine's story demonstrates the power of determination and the importance of supportive medical care in helping young musicians overcome unexpected challenges and pursue their passions.