Freshman Aaron Kuang performed a portion of the Saint-Saens Cello Concerto in A-minor on Feb. 8 in the Fine Arts Building Recital Hall.

During 5th grade, Greenhill students are required to play an instrument. When he was given that decision, Kuang chose to go with orchestra, and he tried out the cello.

Middle School and Upper School Orchestra and Strings Instructor Nick Paraskevas has been monitoring Kuang’s progress since the beginning of his career.

“He was a serious student right from the very beginning and got involved with private lessons,” Paraskevas said. “He grew his skills very methodically and consistently.”

Kuang started studying Saint-Saens Cello Concerto in A-minor two months ago with his private teacher. Learning this piece is time-consuming and requires a high level of skill.

“Saint-Saens Cello Concerto is like a watershed piece; once you play it, you’re really into major literature,” Paraskevas said.

Kuang performed the piece while other middle school orchestra students came to watch and take notes on his performance.

“He plays this piece very expressively,” Paraskevas said.

Paraskevas praises Kuang as a hard worker both in and out of the orchestra.

“He looks for challenges, and he embraces them,” Paraskevas said. “He’s a very hard worker and listener, which has made it easy to teach him.”

After five years of playing the cello in and out of school, Kuang plans to utilize his hard work and dedication by playing more difficult pieces.

“I hope to continue playing throughout the rest of my high school career and beyond,” Kuang said.