Colorful notes echo through the halls of Colburn School as Sophomore Benjamin Cho gracefully draws his bow across the violin. Practicing painstakingly with him are the pianist and the cellist trying to master the intricate tune of “Zigeunerweisen.”
As a member of the chamber music group at Colburn School, Honors Orchestra, Claremont Youth Musicians Orchestra (CYMO) and until 2011, the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO), Cho is an involved violinist in and out of school.
Cho began his musical path at just three years old. He grew up in a very musical environment; his parents significantly influenced and actively supported his instrumental interest. His mother, a music teacher, even taught him how to play the piano. He wanted to learn the cello at the age of six, but chose the violin since he had tiny hands and his mother suggested that it would be a better foundational instrument. Fortunately, listening to his mother gave him the chance to discover a new passion.
“I love playing the violin and hearing the different dynamics and sounds of the violin,” Cho said. “The music itself is unique and interesting.”
At first, Cho didn’t like playing the violin because he constantly dreaded practicing. However, exposure to the competitive music community heightened his love for the instrument. CYMO was the turning point for his musical talent growth, as he practices with the group every Sunday as a second violinist.
“Once I joined CYMO, I practiced harder pieces and had more fun that way,” Cho said. “The orchestra gave me a taste of competition, since there are so many talented players.”
During seventh and eighth grade, Cho participated in the PYSO and the middle school orchestra, which gave him a broader perspective of playing violin with others.
“At Oak, Mr. Meyer impacted me a lot,” Cho said. “The way he taught made me interested in not only playing the violin but also music in general; his ‘Giving Bach’ program that spread awareness of musical involvement was very inspirational.”
Recently, he joined a chamber music group at the Colburn School, an arts school in downtown Los Angeles. There, he is a part of the pre-college program in the School of Performing Arts where he takes his private lessons.
“Ever since joining the Colburn School, my skills with the violin sharpened and improved a lot,” Cho said. “I get opportunities to perform a lot more now that I am in the chamber music group.”
Cho frequently performs with his chamber music group consisting of pianist, Ho Joon and cellist, Iona Batchelder. Out of the five performances this year, the most memorable for Cho was playing Antonin Dvorak’s “Dumky Trio.” He was incredibly proud that the group was able to be fluid while perfecting each note.
“Performing with the chamber music group is less stressful, and I am not as scared,” Cho said. “I really enjoy our recitals.”
One thing Cho had to combat was stage fright during solo performances. He used to have sweaty palms and anxiety before and during performances, but participating in the Southern Youth Music Festival in 2011 and 2012, an annual music competition held at California State University, Long Beach, has helped him overcome his nervousness. Although he did not place, the experience gave him a new view of intense solo performances.
This summer, Cho plans on traveling to Europe with the CYMO. He will be perfoming in concerts at the Schleissheim Castle in Germany, Mozarteum in Austria and Teatro Verdi in Italy.
“In the future, I want to major in violin,” Cho said. “There are incredible players out there and I still have a lot to learn, but I love the violin and will work hard for it.”