My passion for violin first began when I started taking violin lessons from violinist Hong Chou at the Pacific Violin Academy (PVA), Portland. I have also learned alongside other students to cultivate our skills in music theory and to play pieces together. We perform every year in a dress-up performance. We participate in the American String Teachers Association Certification Advancement Program (ASTA CAP) each year. I have just completed the 8th level.
During sixth grade, I auditioned for the Portland Metropolitan Youth Symphony and played in its Baroque Strings Orchestra. Through this program, our orchestra performed at local elementary schools and held seasonal
performances. These events give me opportunities to broaden my musical experience and to share my joy in music-making with students of my age.
I, along with some students of the PVA, volunteered in the annual 2021 Chinese Cultural Festival performing Chinese and Western music in downtown Portland. I enjoy playing in such a setting immersing myself in the rich cultural environment.
Each summer, we play chamber music and learn chamber music repertoire at PVA. These are my best memories of learning violin playing in Portland Oregon.
Last school year, I moved across the country to East Coast and played in Virginia’s Junior Regional Orchestra. Currently, I play at my high school orchestra, where I hope to continue to share my joy through music.
You can find Andrea’s 2023 18th Century Music Competition violin performance here.