SOTM: Esther Cheng

This school year, the orchestra program has been blessed with many amazing and dedicated students. Among all, one student has made an especially lasting impression from her work ethic and friendliness. Please congratulate String Orchestra cellist Esther Cheng for winning May Student of the Month!

Esther began playing the cello in 4th grade, when her elementary school orchestra teacher, Ms. Liu, had students choose an instrument to play. At the time, there was only one other cellist in the orchestra.

“I chose the cello because I saw that cello players got to sit down when they played, as well as the fact that my brother played cello at the time,” said Esther. Since then, Esther’s love for cello never diminished, and her participation in orchestra awes her day by day. 

“I am always amazed at how we [orchestra] as a class can put together such cohesive and pretty-sounding melodies”, said Esther.

However, Esther’s love for orchestra doesn’t just stem from the music-making. Instead, it’s very much the social aspect as well.

“I love how we get to go on so many trips, with each year always including a theme park, usually Disneyland or Knott's, and a spring trip, like Orlando, New York, San Francisco, etc.,” said Esther. “And of course, concerts are so much fun because you get to showcase the music that you have been working on to your family and friends, as well as listen to the other talented groups perform! Concerts are always a fun night to remember.”

Aside from her dedication towards orchestra, Esther has a wide range of interests outside of it.

“I love binge-reading good romance, science fiction, or historical fiction novels, keeping my Duolingo streak alive, challenging my family & friends to board/card games, and collecting state quarters,” shared Esther.

For Esther, although she’s just a sophomore, she firmly believes that she will continue to love and appreciate music throughout high school and beyond. Congratulations to Esther for her encouraging and contagious love for orchestra and music!