Community Corner

Bowie Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Zachary Shieh

This week's Whiz Kid is a homeschooler who plays violin for the College Park Youth Orchestra.

Whiz Kid's Name: Zachary Shieh

Whiz Kid's Age: 10

Whiz Kid's School: Home schooled since 2008

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Whiz Kid's Accomplishments:
Zachary is a violinist in the College Park Youth Orchestra, where he enjoys making music with his friends. He studies the violin primarily through the Suzuki method under the tutelage of Jennifer Shannon.

His daily practice schedule includes one half hour in the morning listening to music pieces and reviewing techniques and skills and an additional hour of practice time in the afternoon.

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Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?):
Zachary has two inspiring music teachers. His first violin teacher was his aunt, Dana Shieh. His current teacher is Jennifer Shannon of University Park. They both are wonderful teachers who encourage him to always play his best. He tries to keep his daily practice drills fun yet focused.

“My summer orchestra teacher told me that the best time to practice a new music piece is within the first few hours of being introduced to it," said Zachary. "I guess your brain retains that new information faster.”

 Zachary has been playing the violin for four years, and when he’s not playing his violin, Zachary attends and is a Webelos scout in Bowie’s Pack 730.

He enjoys swimming, creating cool Lego structures, writing, and reading fantasy and action adventure books. Besides music, he enjoys studying History and English. His favorite movie is The Pirates of the Caribbean, favorite band is Coldplay, and his favorite food is Chinese food and pepperoni pizza (not together, of course.)


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