Whiz Kid: Sophie Ahlberg

Whiz Kid Name: Sophie Ahlberg

Parents: Russ and Susan Ahlberg

School/Grade: Melinda Heights Elementary School, third grade

Whiz Kid Achievement:  Sophie takes violin lessons, performs in a student chamber orchestra and has begun learning how to play the Native American flute. She is a hard-working student who has demonstrated musicianship, enthusiasm and commitment in music.

Key to Awesomeness: Sophie began playing the violin in the summer of 2010 by taking private lessons. She began by learning the parts of the instrument, pizzicato and bowing. Sophie has almost finished book one of Essential Elements 2000 for Violin and book one of the Suzuki Violin School. Sophie has learned how to play “Deck the Halls,” “Minuet No. 1” by Bach, and Disney songs as solos.

As a third-grader, Sophie began learning how to perform with others by participating in a string chamber orchestra directed by her violin teacher, Cheryl Suwardi. She has performed melody and harmony parts in pieces by such composers as Beethoven and Vivaldi. Her class usually performs pieces with four-part harmony.

Sophie began learning how to play the Native American flute in her orchestra class’ world music unit and has since developed a passion for playing it as well as for her violin. The Native American flute is one of the oldest instruments and dates back at least 7,000 years. Historically, it was used as a courting flute. Today, the flute is an improvisatory instrument used by contemporary amateur and professional musicians. Sophie has played the soprano and bass flutes and created her own compositions. She plans to continue studying the flute as well as her violin.

In addition to music, Sophie has been involved with the YMCA Adventure Princesses with her dad for four years. She is the Junior Navigator for her circle. She enjoys the campouts with her dad, skiing with her family, and traveling. For her dedication to music and innovative spirit, Sophie is this week's Whiz Kid.