By Alec Carlson
Staff Writer
The stress of completing college applications along with getting good grades often stifles seniors from participating in activities they previously enjoyed; however, one Costa senior never fails to make time for playing her cello.
Stephanie Caridad has been playing classical music since the age of nine with the help of her mother, Eduviges Caridad. Caridad’s mother is a cellist and once taught at the Suzuki Music School in Argentina,.Therefore, she claims that her inspiration comes from her mother.
“When I was nine, I heard her playing a Polish folk song, and I fell in love,” Caridad said. “She bought me a small instrument and started teaching me soon after.”
With a mother that plays her instrument of choice, one would imagine that there is a real abundance of inspiration in Caridad’s life. In addition to the musical inspiration that exists in her home, Caridad also learned a lot about the art of classical music from her mother.
“I grew up listening to classical music constantly with the station on all the time in the house,” Caridad said.
Coming from a home where classical music is prominent, Caridad was bound to play music. At age two, she began playing piano. However, after she discovered her true passion for playing cello, she began to focus on that.
“Once I started playing cello, that became my primary focus,” Caridad said. “I play the piano for fun, and I teach private lessons to elementary school kids after school.”
In addition to lessons from her mother, Caridad studies at the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where she receives private lessons. Once a semester, she plays at the school’s solo recitals.
“I am thrilled that my daughter feels the music the way she does,” Eduviges Caridad said. “It’s amazing that at such a young age she understands the depth of the music and knows how to transmit that depth to others.”
Caridad also performed at the International Piatagorsky Cello Festival at University of Southern California in March 2012 with famous and student cellists to talk and teach cello music to those who attended. She also was one of 112 members of the cello choir that played at the festival’s concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
“Stephanie is exceptionally unique from many top-performing musicians of her age because her love and understanding for the music itself is what makes her playing so heartwarming and captivating,” junior Bella St. Ivany said. “She seems to really grasp the true meaning of music.”
Caridad plans to major in music and English in college and also tour with a chamber group and be part of an orchestra.
“I will continue to play after I graduate both high school and college, regardless of the jobs I get after that,” Caridad said. “Practicing is a part of my daily routine, and it is worth every minute.”
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