Whiz Kid: Nicky Farmer

Parents: James and Diana Farmer

School/Grade: Trabuco Mesa Elementary, third grade

City of Residence: Rancho Santa Margarita

Whiz Kid Achievement: Nicky is a budding violinist, athlete and top student at his school.

Key to Awesomeness: Since he began violin lessons with Cheryl Suwardi last summer, Nicky Farmer has quickly developed a knack for the instrument. He started by learning scales and has since become a knowledgeable, enthusiastic participant in lessons and classes. According to Suwardi, Nicky is a "serious student who uses feedback to improve his playing."

He performed in the music studio's Halloween Concert and played the solo "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." More recently, he performed "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" at the studio's Christmas Concert.

In addition to his regular lessons, Nicky has joined the music studio's Junior Orchestra, where he has learned how to perform with others. He played "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" and John O'Reilly's "First Christmas March" with his class at the Christmas concert, as well as "Which Witch?" and "Shippeitaro" at the Halloween
Concert. He loves playing the violin and practicing with his older sister, Laura, also an avid violin student.

When he isn't in the music studio, Nicky enjoys playing tennis and baseball. He loves building and playing with Legos, traveling to see his grandparents in Texas and Washington D.C. , and spending time with his brother Gabriel. A third grader at Trabuco Mesa Elementary, he works hard in his class and earns top grades.

For his dedication to the violin, sports and his studies, Nicky Farmer is this week's outstanding Whiz Kid.