Little boy in big leagues

historical] period, but I want to make sure that everyone feels included and welcomed as friends,” Sumandra said. “That’s what’s important to me, to live chivalrously and take care of people, and the SCA just gives me more opportunities to do that.”

His love of archery and passion for medieval and renaissance history made joining the SCA an obvious endeavor to pursue, but his time with the organization has given him more than just a chance to dress up and shoot arrows.

“My code of behavior in life has always been based on medieval chivalry, and what has kept me going with the SCA is that chivalrous, and fun, and historical, and friendly environment it creates,” Sumandra said. The environment is also what drew Conrad Claus — Conrad, king of Caid in the SCA world — to the organization.

As king, Claus has an obligation to attend events throughout his “kingdom,” which spans California, parts of Arizona and Las Vegas.

“The SCA creates such a strong sense of culture, and that’s why I take the time and energy to come to all these events,” Claus said. “I see all of these people as my friends, and why would someone not take the time and energy to visit and be with friends?”

SCA organizer Julie Lawrence, 50, also known as Meliora Deverel, baroness of Altavia, says that it is her love of history that drew her in.

“The SCA covers all areas of everyday life of the 17th century from all cultures, including the arts, speech, food, dress and sciences of the time,”

Lawrence said. “It’s about creating the atmosphere of those times, and that’s what I love about it. There’s something romantic about that too.”

Lawrence says that because of the similarities SCA members have with each other, many of them have become friends outside of the group. This is the case with her and Sumandra.

“No matter what our persona is here, we are all still the same person in our regular lives,” she said. “But it’s still fun to get to know what people do on a daily basis.”

13-year-old piano prodigy takes on college

Erin Quinn Special to the Roundup

When Ben Krasner was 11 years old in 2009, he was featured in the “World’s Smartest Most Talented Kids” segment of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Now 13 years old, Ben, also a recipient of the Malibu Times 2011 Citizen of the Year Dolphin Award, studies astronomy at Pierce College.

He started playing the piano when he was 5. When he was still 5, he also had his first recital. He chose to play 10 pieces.

“I remember him being on this beautiful stage, and he wasn’t intimidated. You could hear an artist. Not necessarily a pianist yet, but an artist. He was doing it with so much flare,” said Ben’s mother, Ann Krasner.

Though Ben is studying astronomy currently, he hopes to double major in music and economics.

“I’m excited about performing and teaching. I want to become a professor and do tours,” he said. “I guess I’m most excited about traveling the world and performing.”

Natural talent runs in the family, as Ben’s 22-year-old sister, Danielle Krasner, is the youngest person to ever attend Yale University.

Prior to attending the Ivy League research university, she majored in biochemistry at California State University, Los Angeles at 12 years old and graduated after four years.

“I’m following in her footsteps,” Ben said.

Ben has been taking lessons from the same teacher, Lubov Sorochkina, for more than six years.

“She is really just great,” he said.

“She

In addition to his three-times-aweek practices with Sorochkina, Ben says that he tries to practice at least four hours everyday. As a piano prodigy, Ben travels internationally to perform. For instance, when he traveled to Moscow to perform at an international festival at 7, he had to overcome a few obstacles along the way.

“I got burned a couple of times by hot pastries. I got my fingers crushed in the subway door, and I hit my head on the playground floor,” he said. “I performed and literally five minutes later, I just fell asleep.”

Ann recalls the story.

Ben’s parents motivate him and his siblings every day.

“My

“My mom sits with me and goes through all the remarks my teacher said and things like that,” Ben said.

As a prodigy who is passionate about his craft, Ben is an inspiration to those around him.

“He was playing beautifully, and he went behind the curtains, and everyone gave him a standing ovation. Everyone was looking for him at the end and he was sleeping,” she said. “He did a beautiful job.”

“He

“We are motivated to one day become as talented as he is,” said Bryan Barcinas, a friend of Ben’s. “He’s a role model for the younger generation.”

Krasner Ben’s mother