Taking a bow: Senior Eshan Parkash showcases violin talent on national stage
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ARNAV GUPTA NEWS EDITOR | JOSH BASS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ew high school students could ever dream of playing at Stern Hall in Carnegie Hall, one of the most prestigious stages in the world. But in the face of an imposing audience at the opulent New York City icon, McLean’s star violinist was unfazed. Eshan Parkash discovered his fascination for classical music at an early age. When most kids are learning to read, 5-year-old Eshan had picked up his first violin. His one-of-akind talent allowed him to breeze through introductory levels of violin. “[When he first started] Eshan only knew how to play on the E string, the highest pitched one,” Eshan’s mother, Connie Parkash, said. “After [six months], other parents began telling me that they were amazed Eshan finished Suzuki Book 1, a common introductory book for string instruments. It was typically expected that a
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student would spend in excess of one year to finish each book.”
ESHAN REALLY DOES IT ALL WHEN IT COMES TO MUSIC – HE’S ARGUABLY ONE OF THE BEST MUSICIANS IN OUR STATE.” - STARLET SMITH MCLEAN ORCHESTRA TEACHER Eshan practiced every day throughout his childhood and joined countless youth orchestra groups. His passion would only
develop further after meeting his current instructor, Ko Sugiyama. “[Before meeting Mr. Sugiyama], it really felt as though my previous teachers found [instructing me] a chore. They would make sure I played the correct notes,” Eshan said. “Mr. Sugiyama emphasized phrasing to a huge extent, or the idea of making music interesting and enjoyable to listen to... it was a whole new world to discover, and it [heightened] my passion and interest in music greatly.” Eshan’s talent propelled him to worldclass venues; he played in a string quartet at the Millennium Stage in the Kennedy Center and as principal second violinist for the Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. Eshan found Carnegie Hall to be an especially stark contrast to other venues he’s performed at.
Photos by Akash Balenalli | Page design by Ariana Elahi
