Whiz Kids of the Week: Los Angeles Youth Orchestra

This week's Whiz Kids are the young musicians of the Los Angeles Children's Orchestra. The musicians in the orchestra range in age from five years old to 12 years old and the ensemble is composed of all string players. Each individual player, although young, represents rising musical talent.

Whiz Kids' Name, Age, and School:

Joshua Yue - 6yrs old - violin -  

Natalie Leung - 6yrs old - violin - Valentine

Natalina Chen - 5yrs old - violin - Valentine  

Amy Huang - 8yrs old - cello -

Russell Tsai - 6 1/2yrs old - cello - Carver

Kurtis Tsai - 9 1/2yrs old - violin - Carver

Nathaniel Chen - 8yrs old - violin - Valentine

Dora Chang - 8yrs old - violin - Valentine

Nathaniel Chen - 8yrs old - violin - Valentine

Timothy Wong - 11yrs old - violin -

Bernard Su - 8yrs old - violin - Valentine

Whiz Kids' Accomplishment:

The Los Angeles Children's Orchestra--previously named the Pasadena Children's Orchestra, but was corrected to reflect the diversity of its members--has played in countless different venues across the nation. The Los Angeles Children's Orchestra will be returning to New York City in Spring of 2013 to perform at Carnegie Hall.

Whiz Kids' Key to Awesomeness:

Here at San Marino Patch, we have seen our fair share of musicians playing instruments of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Each group we have covered has excelled in musicianship, talent, and dedication. This week we cover yet another musical group with a twist. The Los Angeles Children's Orchestra is comprised of very young musicians all under the age of 12. The key to their awesomeness is more than just their youth and the incredible potential they have for improvement, but the incredible amount of support from their parents, dedication and love they have for their craft even at such a young age.

Each member of the Los Angeles Children's Orchestra attends the Pascale Music Institute in South Pasadena where they hone their skills and musicianship. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Pascale Music Institute's continuing tradition of education and encouraging the virtuosos of tomorrow.

But like any music group, talent must be properly nurtured and directed. Under the mentorship of Susan Pascale, the Los Angeles Children's Orchestra has become an amazing young group of talented kids who not only enjoy playing music, but know how to have fun while performing.

This coming Sunday, Oct. 23, the Los Angeles Children's Orchestra will be performing at the Kidspace Pumpkin Festival in a celebration of Halloween and the arts.  Every one of the musicians will be dressed up in costumes to show their spirit and enthusiasm. It is through these young kids that the culture that makes our community in Southern California so great shines.

Bonus Questions:

What is your favorite dessert: From the options of ice cream, cookies and cupcakes, ice cream won the popular vote.

What is your favorite cuisine: From the options of Chinese, Italian, or Mexican, Chinese and Italian tied for first place.