STUDENT STANDOUTS

by stephanie wallace MICAELA CHYU OF LADUE HORTON WATKINS HIGH SCHOOL

MICAELA CHYU HAS PLAYED THE VIOLIN SINCE SHE WAS SIX, and her musical talents have now taken her to the St. Louis Youth Symphony and Community Music School (CMS) at Webster University. Last fall, the Ladue Horton Watkins sophomore won the inaugural CMS Preparatory Program Scholarship Competition. Out of six finalists, she earned a full scholarship for the program, which offers young musicians chamber music coaching from professional musicians, performance opportunities, mentoring, theory and more.

Why did you start playing violin? I watched videos of people playing on YouTube, and a friend of mine also played. I thought it looked really fun.

What is your favorite thing about playing? Probably the complexity. There are a lot of different sounds you can make and things you can do with a violin. You can play one thing in so many different ways, and there are a lot of things to work on. I like that there is never really a point where I can say that I’m done with a piece because I can’t make it any better. I can always improve. Why did you enter the scholarship competition? I wasn’t able to perform for a while because of the pandemic, and I thought it would be a great way to get back into it and gain some experience. I also enjoyed the piece I was working on and wanted to perform it for an audience.

What are you looking forward to with the program? This is my first time being in a competition group. I really enjoy making music, and we’ve been working together to put together our program. I’m really excited about one of the pieces; I’ve wanted to play it for a few years. Do you plan to continue pursuing music? I definitely know that I’m not going to quit, but I’m still deciding if it’s something I want to pursue as a career.

Other than playing the violin, what do you like to do in your free time? I love running. I’m on my school’s cross country and track teams. I also sing in an acapella group. &

AS PART OF ITS SPONSORSHIP, SPORT COURT HAS MADE A DONATION ON BEHALF OF MICAELA TO CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK.

SPONSORED BY: BACKYARD COURTS BUILT TO LAST...CHAMPIONS START HERE!

Consignment Event

January 27 | St. Louis

Hindman specialists will be evaluating Jewelry & Timepieces for auction consignment. We invite you to schedule an appointment to discuss the single item or entire collection that you are considering selling and to receive your complimentary auction estimate.

INQUIRIES Anna Shaver Business Development Director 314.833.0833 | stlouis@hindmanauctions.com

HINDMANAUCTIONS.COM

S H O E S

IT’S SPRING SOMEWHERE! FASHION & COMFORT BY

PAS DE ROUGE OF ITALY + MEPHISTO OF FRANCE + NAOT OF ISRAEL

LAURIES SHOES | 9916 MANCHESTER RD. | GLENDALE 63122 314.961.1642 | LAURIESSHOES.COM/BIRKENSTOCKSTL.COM

SUMMER CAMP LISTING

CAMP TAUM SAUK

Established in 1946, the traditional, overnight summer camp for kids ages 8 to 15 is dedicated to providing an amazing camp experience in a safe, nurturing and fun environment. With a wide range of land and water activities, it’s time to take a break from technology to create memories that will last a lifetime! Lesterville, Missouri | 314.993.1655 | taumsauk.com

Take a break from technology…

Make real connections… Have fun outside… All within a safe and supportive environment!

HURRY, SPOTS ARE GOING FAST!

CHURCHILL CENTER & SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMMING

From June 13 to July 22, Churchill’s summer program provides children with specific learning disabilities an individualized curriculum, including language arts, math, auditory visual training and motor skills. The Ready, Set…Read! program is for children, ages 5 to 7 who are not reading with ease. 1021 Municipal Center Drive | 314.997.4343 | Churchillstl.org

CUB CREEK SCIENCE CAMP

With more than 300 animals and more than 100 activities in science, crafts, archery and more, Cub Creek is a truly unique camp experience. 16795 State Route E | 573.458.2125 | cubcreeksciencecamp.com