Emmaus High School sophomore Santiago Chavolla has drawn his bow with precision and qualified for orchestra regionals playing the violin. Through his consistent work ethic and determination, Chavolla has proven himself and gained a spot to advance into regionals.
Music has always been an important part of Chavolla’s life. As a child, he was exposed to music by his family, especially his older siblings.
“It’s really ingrained into our family dynamic,” Chavolla said.
This year Chavolla was able to share his skills and passion for music through playing the violin. Playing an instrument may not always be as physically active compared to playing a sport, but there are many mental aspects to performing.
“It does take a lot of mental effort,” Chavolla said.
Although there may be struggles when playing, Chavolla’s determination and persistence reward him with a feeling that can’t be equaled.
“Once you’re actually on the stage in this seat, everyone’s all dressed up, the lights are on you, and there’s people in the audience watching,” Chavolla said, “No other feeling beats it.”
Unlike most people who would want to gloat about their accomplishments, Chavolla is unassuming. He isn’t the type of person to brag about his accomplishments. Instead, he keeps them to himself and continues to work hard.
Anna Chavolla, older sister of Santiago Chavolla and fellow musical prodigy involved in choir and theater, has watched him grow as a person and a musician throughout his life.
“He’s very humble,” Anna Chavolla said. “He doesn’t let any of this get to his head.”
Chavolla’s hard work and character is seen by his family, teachers, and peers.
Along with his family’s influence, Connie Arnold, the orchestra teacher at EHS and Lower Macungie Middle school and music teacher at Eyer Middle school, has had an impact on him as his teacher for the past five years.
“He is outgoing, friendly, kind, funny, and a joy to be around,” Arnold said. “He is one of the hardest working students I have.”
In addition to playing the violin, Chavolla has other hobbies that he is constantly setting time aside for and is dedicated to. He is involved in many different musical activities, including orchestra, choir, and theatre.
Chavolla’s hard work ethic goes far beyond his musical goals, as he applies it in many aspects of his life, including school.
“He is a very, very hard worker. He stays up very late at night, doing notes, doing homework, studying,” Anna Chavolla said. “Just like he’s a perfectionist in the violin and in music, he’s a perfectionist as a student.”
Chavolla has passion and determination like no other and he applies himself to everything that he does. He has many goals in life and in his music career, but his goals are not always about winning. “My goal for districts was just to be able to play the music because…it’s not really about the competition,” Santiago Chavolla said. “I just love playing.”
