What were you thinking when I asked to interview you?
I’m good with being interviewed because I get to explain what has been happening or my steps in getting there. For me, it’s an achievement to be invited. It’s an opportunity for me to give my opinion, express my ideas.

When did you join FAYM?
I started with FAYM seven or eight years ago.

Who came up with the idea for you to play the violin?
My mom came up with the idea. I had recently quit acting and had tried modeling but didn’t like it. She signed me up for FAYM. At first I wasn’t sure I would like it. But once I started playing, I liked it. It was fun being with my peers. Mr. Thomas helped me a lot. So did my teacher, Ms. Chun. She helped me build up my skills. And then, I loved it.

Tell me about acting.
I did acting when I was about 6. I did it for a while and I loved it. People said I was a natural. I quit because I didn't want to do a certain show and I felt bored since I was ahead and I couldn't be with the older kids. I regret leaving. It was one of the best things I’ve done. One of my big shows was Mulan. I was Mulan and it was such an experience. After acting I went to sing for an older audience with my sister. She played piano and sang and I played violin and sang. We quit because it was such a long drive. Our teacher helped us so much and said our voices were incredible. But we felt it was too much of a hassle. We did modeling and it just didn't feel right. Then I did violin and it took time to warm up to the new feeling. Then it felt right.

What are some of your hobbies?
I love to cook. I always cook for my family. I also play sports. I used to play basketball and football. Next year in high school I’m going to do tennis, wrestling, and track. Music is also a hobby. In addition to playing the violin, I play five instruments in total (like guitar) and I sing, Im also trying to learn flute just for fun since I only play string instruments.

How does one keep up with you?
Well, it’s a lot. Even in middle school it was really hard because I’d go to practice, then I’d have to rush over to the community center to classes. I have classes every day, and on weekends I volunteer at my church as a 2nd grade leader. Even during the summer I was a leader for kids camp at my church and I go to camp for FAYM and high school camp. In high school, I’ll have a lot of clubs and AP classes and extra homework. And then I’ll be auditioning for things. With all that, I get exhausted. But I always find joy in things I do.
 
What kinds of music do you like to listen to?
I like lots of different kinds of music: country, Christian, pop, jazz. It varies depending on my mood. I really like listening to classical music. Sometimes when I’m studying I’ll listen to music and it helps me focus. I like Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Handel, Haydn, Dvorak and more. I’ve been so in love with tangos and this one piece called Primavera Porteña by Astor Piazzolla
 
If a non-musical friend asked you what it is about playing the violin that appeals
to you, what might you say?
I would say the violin is a part of me, part of my personality. I’ve been playing for years, and when I play, I’m in another world. It’s hard to explain. Other people imagine things that would make their world perfect. When I play, I’m in that perfect world. To me, I have everything I need when I play the violin.

When did you figure out that music was such an integral part of you?
I knew a couple years ago, probably in middle school. When I started being in orchestra, I'd have solos, and it was good to just practice at home and just feel the music.

How have your thoughts about music and the violin changed since you started?
I’ve always been musically inclined because I did acting before. And everyone in my family is musically inclined. With famous family members, such as an aunt in the Philippines who is an actor, I wanted to do something too. Once I joined FAYM, my teachers really helped me explore what music is, how you can express your feelings when you play. They have helped me get to where I am now.

Do you have a funny memory of being with FAYM?
During orchestra, Mr. Thomas calls me by my last name. He says it in a funny way—Moon-ji. It’s fun to be in his class, especially while we’re learning. It’s interactive. He’s that way with everyone. He’s a good, helpful, and funny instructor.

When you watch other players and performers, what would you like to be able to do that
you have not yet learned?
I want to be really good in the future. I watch videos of a couple of violinists: Hilary Hahn and Ray Chen. They put so much emotion in their playing. It’s as if they can fill a hall or auditorium with their sound. Even with one instrument, they’re able to create such a full and rich sound. I want to be able to play like that. I like watching the instructors, too, like Miss Won and Mr. Alex. They’re amazing.

When did you decide to audition to be a Golden Violin Recipient?
In about my second year of playing, I saw someone receive a Golden Violin Award. It became my goal. I decided it was something I could do, a goal I could work toward.

 

What have you learned about yourself in preparing for the audition?

Sometimes I doubt myself. Or, I just don’t feel confident and get frustrated with myself when something isn’t working. At times I don’t know why it isn’t working. But I’ve learned that asking for help is okay. I’ve asked help from Ms. Won, and Mr. Alex, and they really helped me by pushing me toward this goal. Ms. Chun and Mr. Thomas also encouraged me. They told me they knew I could do it. It meant a lot to have them helping me practice and stick to it.

What was it like to receive this award?
I was kind of scared just to be up there, but, it was really amazing to receive it. It was especially nice to meet the person who gave me the violin.

Tell me about choosing your Golden Violin.
They laid a bunch of violins, maybe a dozen. I tried all of them and they all sounded really nice. They were delicate. But then they showed me the German violin. It sounded so amazing! And I knew that was the one. There was a depth to the instrument and it sounded so rich and gorgeous. Even when I plucked a string, it sounded heavenly. I said, “That’s the one I would love to have!” And it’s the one I got. I know I’ll be able to do
many new things with this violin and achieve more of my goals.

How might you encourage younger students?
I would push them to try new things, to find role models. To never give up. I have been able to help out with some of the younger kids and I love seeing their improvement.

When you look ahead to five or even ten years from now, what role do you think
music or the violin might have in your life?
I know I want to apply to a music college after I go to college. Music will always be one of my hobbies. I will keep playing my violin, playing gigs or in groups, depending on what is available.

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Magali Olivera, Emilia’s mother

How did you hear about FAYM?
I heard about FAYM at Emilia’s school when Emilia was attending Tarr Academy; which was a Magnet school. And I got a flyer and attended the open house at Pearson Community Center. 

In what group/s is Emilia currently participating?
Emilia is attending Orchestra, Violin 1, Cello, Mariachi, and private Lessons. She basically comes every day of the week. 

How would you describe Emilia's experience of being in the program? 
I see that Emilia has grown so much in the musical field, She is very talented and FAYM has been directing her in the right direction and at different levels.   

And yours as her parent?
I love seeing my child growing as a person and as a musician, I am ok with all the traveling and waiting in the car or outside the room, talking with other parents is being great and everyone in FAYM is very welcoming and kind. 

What, if any, changes have you noticed in Emilia since she started playing the
violin?
Emilia has always been very artistic, but violin opens a big door in her heart, allowing her to connect with her inner self. 

How have you adjusted to the challenges of bringing her to lessons and
encouraging her to practice?
It’s always a challenge because we live on the north side of town. And after school, I have to get her a meal, which she will eat in the car while driving to FAYM. But we have a system now and share some days with her dad to bring her. 

If other parents were to ask you about highlights in the FAYM program, what
might you tell them?
I would say that FAYM does more that create musicians. FAYM is creating good humans—adults that have love for music. The spirit is alive because music goes beyond the notes! 

If FAYM were not here, would Emilia be involved in music lessons? Explain.

I’m sure she would have. I took her to guitar and piano lessons before FAYM, and she always showed potential in music. But FAYM is such a complete program. The teachers are outstanding and capable. And more than that, their patience for our kids and even for us as parents is great. 

What role, if any, did music play in your life when you were growing up?
I played the flute when I was in middle school. But I always loved music. 

What changes would you like to see in the FAYM program that could benefit
Emilia and other students?
I honestly not sure. Mr. Ochoa and Mr. Weller are doing a phenomenal work in all the kids and the program is being carried amazingly. They are just fantastic and guided by love in their hearts. 

Other thoughts about FAYM?
I just think FAYM is one of the best place that we could find for Emilia’s growth.  Great family! Thanks so much for all you guys do!!