Whiz Kid: Brandon Pozzo, Musician

Whiz Kid:  Brandon Pozzo

Parents:  Robert and Marisa Pozzo

School/Grade:  Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School/8th Grade

City of Residence:  Rancho Santa Margarita

Whiz Kid Achievement: Brandon is passionate about playing the viola and studying musical history and does not let his Type 1 Diabetes get in the way of his dreams.

Key to Awesomeness: Brandon Pozzo picked up a viola when he was 10, and the rest his history. Musical history, that is. Since first beginning to play, he has taken a keen interest in musical history as well. He takes weekly viola lessons with instructor Cheryl Suwardi and performs in Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School’s orchestra with instructor Mr. Jones. His viola teacher shares that Brandon is attentive to musical markings, phrasings and expressions; he is also a hard worker and a good role model.

Brandon performed Weber’s Hunter’s Chorus, arr. Suzuki, completed research about the piece and presented his research at the Spring Music History Concert.  He won the Blue Ribbon at a string instrument competition in Illinois playing a duet with cellist Riley Guibault. Most recently, Brandon performed “Beauty and the Beast” by Alan Menken, arr. by Bruce Chace, at the Summer Music History Concert hosted by his viola teacher. He created a powerpoint slide show that described the history of this piece and the composer. At the concert, he presented this information to the audience.

When he was 11 years old, Brandon was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. His mother feared that due to him needing to prick the tip of his fingers many times a day, it would be too painful and impossible for him to play the viola. But this did not stop Brandon from excelling. Brandon has continued playing and improving his viola skills since his diagnosis and his passion for playing has only increased.

For his determination, passion for music and dedication to his skill, Brandon Pozzo is this week’s Whiz Kid.