I’ve been a Naperville (East Highlands) resident for the better part of my life, settling in when I was just 3. Eight years have flown by since then, and my family includes me, my mom, my dad, and my two tabby cats.

Currently, I'm in 6th grade and gearing up for my next adventure at Kennedy Junior High School come fall.

Now, let’s talk about my passion—playing the violin. I’ve been at it since I was 3, honing my skills at the Naperville Suzuki School. In the Suzuki Method, I've learned to play by ear, skipping the sheet music until later stages. Currently, I'm cruising through Book 6, which is quite advanced. I’m also a proud member of the Suzuki reading orchestra, a journey I embarked on back in Book 4. And then there’s Allegro, a fantastic group where we not only play a variety of tunes but also incorporate choreography and sometimes even singing! This was my debut year with Allegro, and it was an absolute blast.

Our schedule is packed with performances during winter, including gigs at holiday events, country clubs, and offices. After our Christmas concert, we dive into preparing for the Spring Allegro show. January kicks off with a rigorous 3-day retreat in Chicago, where our choreographer trains us tirelessly for our upcoming performances. This year, our tour took us to Atlanta, where we performed in museums and other exciting venues. Back home, we showcased our skills in four shows for the actual Allegro performance in April, complete with lighting and staging. And now, we’re gearing up for a grand concert at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Hall, alongside the entire Suzuki School community—talk about a whirlwind of activity!

Playing the violin brings me immense joy, not to mention the enchanting sounds it produces.

While I'm deeply involved in Suzuki School, I also know peers at school who are just starting their violin journey, albeit through different avenues. Nevertheless, we all share the love for music.

My weekly routine includes violin lessons every Thursday and Monday, with practice sessions squeezed in after school while ensuring I still have ample time for homework.

A huge inspiration for me is Ray Chen, a phenomenal violinist and soloist who has claimed top honors at the Menuhin Competition and The Queen Elizabeth Competition. His YouTube channel is a treasure trove of musical brilliance. Meeting him in person and snagging a photo with him at the Palladium in Indiana this April was an unforgettable moment.