Alya Preciado, age 16
Junior at Green Valley High School

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When did you join FAYM?
I first joined FAYM when I was in fourth grade, in 2018

Who came up with the idea for you to play the violin?
It was my idea. One summer we went to Mexico for vacation. We found an instrument shop, and when we went in, I saw a violin. I thought it was pretty and I wanted it. We got it, but it wasn’t a real violin. But from that, I got the idea that I wanted to play the violin. My mom is the one who found FAYM.

Describe how your thoughts about music have changed since you started taking classes
with FAYM.
When I first picked up a violin I had no idea just how much this instrument would shape my life. As I grew, so did my dedication. I then began learning to play the guitar and the cello. Beyond the lessons and practice, what truly defines my experience is my passion for music and my drive to always improve.

What are some of your hobbies?
I like to crochet. Among other things, I make plushies and started making those in seventh grade. I sometimes sell them. My favorite plushie I’ve made is the first one I made, a bee. I also like to read. In fact, I ordered a box of books that came yesterday. I read a little bit of everything: romance, fantasy, thrillers, and more. I also like to do calligraphy. I really liked learning cursive in elementary school, and got some brush pens and markers and taught myself how to do calligraphy. I make cards for my mom. At Christmas, I write people’s names in cursive on the back of the cards. I was about 14
years old when I started practicing calligraphy.

If a non-musical friend asked what playing the violin means to you, what might you say?
I think playing the violin is a way to express yourself that you probably wouldn’t be able to without an instrument. It’s a very beautiful thing, almost like another language.

What is a funny memory of being with FAYM?
It isn’t a specific, funny memory, but I remember in my second or third year in Miss Chun’s class, we laughed all the time. We asked her to play different things for us, and she did, and it was really fun.

Watching other players and performers, what would you like to be able to do that you
have not yet learned?

I want to refine my techniques. When I’m watching professionals play pieces and difficult concertos, I want to play like they do one day: how they play on stage, how they move, and how they feel the music. I love how my teacher, Mr. Alex, plays. I’ve seen some of his videos on YouTube, and he is really good. I also like watching Hilary Hahn and Chloe Chua.

How did you decide to audition for a Golden Violin Award?
The award has meant something special to me ever since my very first concert with FAYM in 2018. I remember watching a Golden Violin winner receive the award, and I knew I wanted, one day, to stand in that same place. Also, some of my peers were also auditioning this year.

What have you learned about yourself in preparing for the audition?
When I was younger I thought it was going to be almost impossible to do. It seemed so out of reach. But as I started preparing, it became more of a possibility.

It might be hard to put into words, but what does receiving a Golden Violin award mean
to you?
It’s a recognition of the years of hard work, discipline, and love I have put into my music. It’s also a reminder of how far I have come and serves as a motivation to continue to improve.

What would you like the women from Sun City Anthem to know about what this award
means to you?
I would like them to know that without them, the incredible opportunity to get the violin wouldn’t have been possible. So, I thank them that they were kind enough to give me the opportunity.

How did you choose your new violin?
Playing different violins in the shop, I fell in love with the violin that I picked because it had the deepest sound. I loved the loud and thick sound compared to the other violins.

 

How might you encourage other FAYM students to prepare for this kind of audition?

I would say if they keep practicing, it’s possible. There’s an opportunity available, and if they work hard, there are more possibilities, and they can get it. I would like to be able to inspire younger violinists. With dedication, patience, and passion, they, too, can reach their goals.