Mitchell Baires
Golden Violin Winner
July 2024
Mitchell Baires
7th grade
Coral Academy of Science
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What is your name?
My name is Mitchell Luis Baires
What grade are you in?
I just finished 7th grade and now I’m going to 8th
Which school do you go to?
I go to Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas
What college do you plan on attending?
As of right now, I am not sure. I have been researching though.
What are you planning on majoring in?
Ever since I was 10, I have been asking myself this question, and I am still not sure. I hope I go to a good college and I get a good major to be successful in life.
When did you earn your Golden Violin?
I earned it on June 14, 2024
When you first played it, could you hear a difference in the sound of your Golden Violin compared to the violin you previously had? What was the difference?
When I first played my Golden Violin, I could hear a lot of differences compared to the one I previously had. It felt deeper than the other one and had more meaning. It sounded clearer and somehow easier to play songs compared to the one I had played before.
How did you feel when the Golden Violin was placed in your hands?
When it was placed in my hands, I felt like something I can’t even describe. It felt amazing and when I looked behind me, I saw all of the other Golden violinists and cellists that I had always looked up to. I thought “Now I am one of them." I hope that one of those kids in the audience or in my class would look up at me and think the same that I did. I now have a lot of responsibilities as a Golden Violinist.
What made you work for and apply for the Golden Violin?
I honestly don’t remember the reason why I chose to work for and apply for the Golden Violin. I most likely wanted to try something new, and once I started, my friends and family helped motivate myself to keep on trying until I got it.
What was the most challenging part for you to earn the Golden Violin?
The most challenging part for me to earn the Golden Violin was not the things that I had to do, it was pushing and motivating myself to do those things. There were so many times that I thought that I would fail or not make it there that I can ever count it.
Was it worth all the time and effort you put into this?
It was very worth it. I am now starting to play violin for a much longer time and now I’m playing a lot better. I also feel a lot more confident than I was before.
Do you have any advice that you would want to offer out other FAYM students that are thinking of applying for their Golden Violin?
My advice for students is to never give up, also have motivation, and never stop playing. Also, try new things, because if you do, you will learn new skills that will help accomplish your goal.
Is there anything else you would like to say to our FAYM Family?
I would just like to thank all of my teachers and friends that I have had. Without the FAYM family, I would not have been able to get this far. Thank you for everything and I hope I changed something. Thank you.
Nelson and Betty Baires
Baires parents interview
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What is your name?
Nelson and Betty Baires
How many children in FAYM?
One child in FAYM.
What is your child's name in FAYM?
Mitchell Baires
What groups are they in?
Orchestra and Private lessons
How did you find out about FAYM?
Our son was taking lessons but it started to get too expensive and we saw that he really started to enjoy playing the violin. We searched the internet, searching for lower costs and that is when we found FAYM.
How long have you been with us?
5 years
How did you feel when your child told you that he was interested in applying for the golden violin?
He would see his classmates in violin class earning the violin and he started to ask me to print up the requirements. Also, Mr. Ochoa would often speak to Mitchell about the Golden Violin. I think it helped that he would encourage him, like a friend, Mitchell needed the push outside the family. As a family, we discussed the requirements and we all felt it was a great opportunity to prove that he was ready to take.
How did you feel when we informed your child that he has won their golden violin?
We felt proud of him for this huge accomplishment that he worked so hard for everyday. I felt that he proved to himself that when he puts his mind into something he can accomplish anything, when he works hard for it. He learned this important lesson, which he can use for the rest of his life.
What did your son say when he took his golden violin home and played it?
He compared everything about it to the old violin, from the varnish to the new sounds. He stated, “ this violin has a voice.” He feels this violin plays with a purpose, with its smooth and louder tones.
Have you seen any changes in your child since he started playing his golden violin?
Yes, he is playing a lot longer with ease. He played all of his old pieces and is exploring new music and tones on the violin. He feels more comfortable and confident playing, he even wants an audience to listen!
What is the most difficult thing for you in making these music lessons possible for your child?
The driving, we live in Henderson and it takes a toll on us with traffic and construction; we try to take different routes to keep it under an hour waiting in traffic to get there.
If FAYM were not here, would your child be involved in music classes?
No, we don’t think so, private lessons are expensive.
Is there anything else you would like to say to our FAYM family?
I believe most FAYM families know the dedication it takes to be with their musical child. I would like them and future families to know that at least 30 minutes a day of quality time with them (when he is practicing), from listening, encouraging them to continue, motivating them to go slow when hard times come, all this helps little by little. Even when we don’t know the answers, they see us as home teachers, helping them, from searching videos or, searching notes on the internet. If we are interested in the things that they are interested in, I feel it motivates them more. Especially for at least 30 minutes a day! It goes a long way.
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Nelson and I are truly grateful for everything you do. We might not say it enough…but trust me when I say, every time I hear my son playing, my heart is thankful for your great contribution to our lives.
We would also like to give our special thanks to the founder of FAYM, Mr. Weller without whom this would have never been possible. To Mr. Ochoa and his work, who always shows his love for the children and their efforts and accomplishments. To Mr. Gorlin, Past President.
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To all the great teachers who put their hearts everyday into teaching the young FAYM minds; especially to Mr. Thomas, Ms. Faride, Ms. Chun and to Mrs. Nataliya who has helped Mitchell so much with the private lessons and to whom we are so grateful.
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On behalf of Mitchell, Betty and I; Thank you FAYM, Thank you Mr. Weller, thank you all.