When did you join FAYM?
I joined when I was eight and in third grade. I always wanted to play violin when I was little. I told my mom about it, and she tried to find like a place where somebody could teach me. She found this organization, and that’s how I got into FAYM.

Who introduced you to the violin?
My parents. They love mariachi and we used to watch groups play. I thought the violin was a cool instrument, and I wanted to play it too. 

What do you remember about starting to play? 
I felt happy, even though I didn’t sound at all professional. I always knew that if I practiced I could get there. 

Are there other musicians in your family besides you and your sister?
My cousin from my dad’s side of the family plays guitar, and my dad’s grandpa had a mariachi group too.

How do you like to spend your time? 
I like walking my two dogs. I spend my time practicing the violin and a draw a little, too,
once in a while if I have time.

If a non-musical friend asked what playing the violin means to you, what might
you say? 
I would say I have a strong connection with music and the violin allows me to experience that. It’s more than just something I enjoy. I feel like it’s also a way to communicate with others. It’s a way to express yourself freely. Maybe playing a song or piece for others can get them emotional, too.

So your violin is a way to express yourself. If you were angry at someone and
picked up your violin, what might you play?
I honestly don’t know what I would play. I just know it would be something I could play with feeling, where I could show my emotions.

Describe how FAYM has changed since you started taking classes. And you.

I would say the organization has grown a lot. There are more classes and more chances to connect with teachers and students. It’s a real community. It has encouraged me to become more social, and allowed me to make new friends.

Watching other players and performers, what would you like to be able to do that
you have not yet learned?
I would like to have a better sound and to be more expressive like Mr. Alex. The way he plays shows that he really enjoys what he is doing. I see that in other teachers too. I would also like to memorize the orchestra music just like I do in mariachi.

What kinds of music do you like to listen to? 
I listen to mariachi or other Spanish music. It’s a way to calm and relax yourself. 

When did you decide to audition to be a Golden Violin Recipient? 
When I was small, I saw a FAYM program and I thought, “Oh, I’m going to do that when I’m older.” That’s why I put so much effort into the violin, too. And my mom told me about it. So I practiced every day. Then I knew this was the year. 

Tell me about receiving your Golden Violin Award?
I was very happy to get my own personal violin. I will now be seen as someone who got a Golden Violin Award, and will be motivated to continue practicing and playing. 

How did you choose your violin? 
I tried several violins and chose the only I liked best. It sounded nice and clear. The color was nice, too, but I wasn’t focused on how it looked. I just wanted it to have a good sound, a loud sound, not a soft one. 

How might you encourage other FAYM students to prepare for this kind of
award? 
I would say don’t give up because you might not play well right now. But I promise it’s going to get better over time if you practice, are dedicated, and put effort into it. Then teachers will know you really want to play, and give you more attention. 

How can you if someone is dedicated? 
Those students pay attention and ask questions in class. They are motivated to learn.

Let’s trade places for a minute. Imagine you were asking me questions, and I
wanted to audition for a Golden Violin Award. What might you want to know? 

What if you were trying out, but did not get the award. How might you feel? 

Wow! That’s an important question. . . How might you answer it?
If I didn’t get the award, I wouldn’t take it personally. I would listen to the advice the judges gave me and keep practicing, reminding myself that maybe the next year I wouldget it.