Whiz Kid: Zachary Shieh

Each week, the College Park Patch will feature one Whiz Kid who has made a difference in the community. This week's Whiz Kid is Zachary Shieh.

Name: Zachary Shieh

Age: 10

School: Home schooled since 2008

Accomplishment:  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 half an hour spent in the morning listening to music pieces and reviewing techniques and skills and an additional hour of practice time in the afternoon.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: 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," he said. "I guess your brain retains that new information faster.”

When he’s not playing his violin, Zachary is a Webelos scout and enjoys swimming, creating cool Lego structures, writing, and reading fantasy and action adventure books. Besides music, he enjoys studying History and English. His favorite things to eat are Chinese food and pepperoni pizza - though not together, of course.

Do you know a Whiz Kid? Email laurene@patch.com