Swaying to the sound of his bow against his cello, junior Jeffrey Kwong tunes out the world around him. Eyes closed and intently focusing on the melody, he diligently practices his instrument.

A cellist since the third grade, Jeffrey is a prime example of how practice makes perfect. His years of perseverance paid off when he won the California regional competition in Sacramento for the American String Teacher Association (ASTA) in October.

The basic structure of the competition for all contestants included Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances, one selection of Bach, and a free choice piece, which created a 15-minute performance.

“There were so many of us playing the same piece, and I guess the hardest part was making mine stand out from the other contestants,” Jeffrey said.

Jeffrey felt slightly nervous before he performed, though he entered the competition calmly to maintain his focus.

“There can’t be any self-doubt. Otherwise, when you feel doubt, you do let the judges know that you doubt yourself,” Jeffrey said. “I have to be confident in what I play and just play my best.”

The first round of the competition began in May in San Francisco, where Jeffrey qualified for states. After winning in Sacramento, he is now a contestant for the national competition.

For this level, he submitted a CD to the national panel in November and is currently waiting for the results, which will be announced in January. The top ten cellists will proceed to the audition process.

In addition to qualifying for the ASTA National Competition, Jeffrey won the 2010 California All-State Orchestra Outstanding Musician Award.

He is currently learning from Sieun Lin, a teacher at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Preparatory Division, whom he describes as extremely supportive.

Jeffrey’s parents said that time management is important to balance his extra-curricular activities.

“We feel his academic work and cello work are both very important, so we try not to neglect either one,” said Jenny Shum, Jeffrey’s mother.
Jeffrey has been involved in competitions and festivals ever since eighth grade, beginning with the Junior Bach Festival.

“Being able to play for new people- I think that’s always a thrill,” Jeffrey said.

Some of his other responsibilities include traveling with his orchestra, the El Camino Youth Symphony (ECYS), for which he is the Principal Cellist.

So far, ECYS has been to Finland, Estonia, Russia, Poland, and Germany. Spain and France are the destinations for the upcoming summer.

“Traveling with them is a lot of fun,” Jeffrey said. “Of course we get to make new friends. There’s a whole music community out there that I become connected to through my cello.”

Jeffrey also attends summer camps and events across the country; last summer, he took part in the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado.

“Since both my husband and I love classical music, we see it as a treat for the whole family whenever we attend these musical activities,” Shum said.

To become a better cellist, Jeffrey asks other people for their input. He takes part in Master Classes, where an experienced musician gives advice to students on how to improve their pieces.

“It is also important for him to see live performances and be exposed to other professional artists,” Shum said.

Jeffrey’s next competition will be the Junior Bach Annual Competition, which will take place in January.

To any aspiring musicians, Jeffrey said, “have confidence in what you do and what you play, and have fun while you’re doing it.”