Now entering the 9th grade, Sunny was just a 2nd grader when we first met her at our Partner School, Castelar Elementary. We recently caught up with Sunny as an alumna of our programs, and are excited to share through hers and her Grandma’s eyes how music has changed her life.

Her Grandma’s initial reaction to Sunny’s interest in playing an instrument six years ago was – “tremendously shocked.” There was a musical history within the family. However, it had not been handed down to Sunny, or so they thought.

Sunny’s first interest came when she was introduced to the violin at Castelar Elementary in 2nd grade, offered by Education Through Music-LA. She quickly excelled in music through hard work and guidance. Her Grandma shared, “Sunny improved not only in her grades but as well in her ability to communicate. With her ability to be able to play music she began to improve on her speaking grammatically correct, an improvement in listening, and being able to have more focus when it came to class and homework.”

Sunny “advanced to the top through music,” stated her Grandma. She is able to feel “capable” of handling any challenge that is thrown at her. “She was my voice when I couldn’t talk,” says Sunny’s Grandma who underwent throat surgery several years ago.

From her own words, Sunny articulates, “Playing the violin has opened up new horizons for me and given me the opportunity to meet and experience many different cultures from all backgrounds. One thing that I really love about playing the violin is how students unite together through the sound of music. When I am missing my parents I turn to music and prayer. I truly feel that music is the bridge to stop war and hate among all people and bring peace and joy to the world.” “Music is healing,” says Sunny’s Grandma, “and brings people together, unites them, and forms a sense of connectedness.”

We are thrilled Sunny has been accepted to a top arts magnet high school in Los Angeles, and will continue to pursue her dream of being a lawyer and violinist!