Karime Bravo

Who came up with the idea for you to play the violin? What do you recall from
your early days with your violin? 
It was pretty funny, actually. I first joined FAYM because I wanted to do guitar. I couldn’t
join a guitar class. But Mr. Thomas said, “You should play violin.” I thought I wouldn’t
like it. Even when I picked it up, I wasn’t sure it was right for me. Then I changed my
mind and I started taking classes. It was pretty much Mr. Thomas’s idea. When I started
playing, I liked the sound of the violin. It makes beautiful music.
What do you remember about starting to play the violin?
They gave me a stick at first, a wooden stick, and they made me practice my bow
hold. It was a test to see if you could hold the stick correctly before getting a bow. I was
nervous, but I did get a violin. It was exciting, and an interesting way to get started with
the violin. 
What have you found challenging about playing the violin?
Fingering is challenging and changing positions. It’s challenging to slide your hand
along the fingerboard as you shift from first to third position, for example. Also vibrato.
I’m still working to master that. 
How has it been rewarding?
I like playing for people and seeing them smile. Watching the audience become
engaged with the music is wonderful. And sometimes they even feel motivated to start
playing an instrument. That’s amazing. 
Name a couple of the favorite pieces you have played? 
When I first started, I enjoyed the Twinkle Variation of Pepperoni Pizza. The words were
catchy and the rhythm. That stayed with me. I still like it. Another piece that I like is from
a movie I saw. The piece is called The Moth by Andrea Farri.
What do you hope to play?
There are advanced mariachi pieces with violin solos that I would like to learn someday.
One of them is Rondinella. It a pretty cool solo and also tricky.
You have a younger sister who also plays. How is your approach to practicing
similar to or different from Kamila’s?

She’s way more focused on the violin. Her playing is very advanced and she also plays
in the orchestra. She does everything well, including fingering and bowing. When she
practices, she will stay in her room a long time and repeat her pieces until she gets
them perfect. And she’s only a ninth grader. When I practice, I sometimes get stuck and
get frustrated. But I have to keep practicing. 
Tell me about a couple of your favorite experiences with FAYM.
I like their concerts I like how they bring all the little kids from the Pearson Community
Center and seeing them all play. It’s so fun to see the other faculty and watch the
families cheering for the little kids. I also love going out to perform at other locations.
With the mariachi group I play guitar. It’s fun to volunteer and perform. I also like the
friendships and bonds I’ve made with people at FAYM.
If I were to ask one of your best friends to describe you, what might he or she tell
me? 
They would say I’m a pretty humorous person. They tell me I have a sense of humor. I
don’t like staying serious and like to lighten the mood. I’m pretty smart. I am top in my
classes, and my GPA is pretty high. I’m taking AP classes and in the dual enrollment
program. 
What do you like to do for fun?
I’ve been so busy with school and everything that I haven’t had lots of time for fun lately.
But I like reading books, especially fiction. I also have pets at home. I really like
animals. I have dogs, chickens, and birds. I used to have a bunny and a fish.
What kinds of music do you like to listen to?
I'll listen to a little bit of everything, except country. There’s something about
country music I just don’t like. I listen to anything: pop, hip-hop, rap, mariachi, corridos,
banda, and classical. It’s funny because they play a lot of guitar in country music but I
still don’t like it.
Tell me a little about your plans and hopes for the future. 
I got accepted into UNLV, I’m going to study business and finance. I may want to open
a business because I like working with other people and making a big impact. 
And music-wise, I want to come back here and help the little kids. They look so
happy to see someone older to come and help them. I want to give back to FAYM. They
gave me the opportunity to learn music and I want to give back by helping others.

Looking ahead in five to ten years, do you see yourself continuing to play the
violin? Explain.
Of course I will continue with my music. For me, music is not just a passion, it is a part
of me. My ancestors, even my great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents, play
music. They played violin, trumpet, guitar, and the vihuela. It resembles a guitar, and is
a really neat instrument. My relatives played together in their own little ensemble. 
How has being involved with FAYM influenced how you think of yourself? 
FAYM has given me something productive to do, a chance to become good at
something. This has made me a better person, has given me a focus in life. 
What might you tell a beginning violin student to encourage him or her?
I would tell them not to listen to others who tell them they’re not playing well or at a high
level. And to ignore others who make fun of them. It’s important never to give up.
Everyone belongs and improves at his own pace. Everyone should be there to help
each other. I would encourage them to stay with it and not give up. 
Other thoughts about FAYM as you graduate? 
I’m just really thankful I found FAYM. They gave me the opportunity that I would never
have had otherwise. 
What does it mean to you to have been awarded the Dennis Ortwein
Scholarship? 
It’s hard to find the right words. This is a gift to help me with my future. This will help me
become a better person. I’m so grateful, and want to be able to give back some of what
I have been given. I am very honored and thankful to have received this scholarship.

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