text: Juilliard Alumni Visits NACIS
  New York to Spain - and now, China. As a violinist, Jennifer Choi's life has been busy with performances and lectures. The Juilliard Alumni who came to NACIS for a 'Juilliard Alumni Visit' last Wednesday enriched our mind and ears and brought us on a journey with her.
  It started with a masterclass with five top violin players in our school: Elaine, Mia, Nicole, Jerry, and Eva. Elaine, demonstrating her skills, played a classical concerto; Mia played a piece that which she played so well during her recent Minhang competition. Jerry shyly but surely played Bach's aria on G; Nicole played music by Piazzolla, a tango music, and Eva showed off her beautiful sound on the 'Lord of the Rings' orchestral arrangement.
  After the fun activities and workshops, Junior and NACIS orchestra students participated in a Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' flash mob and later, had the chance to play with Jennifer. At lunch time, students soon halted by the atrium to admiringly gaze on NACIS' performers.
  Our two teachers, Ms. Shin and Ms. Miao, then had the chance to perform Oblivion (by Astor Piazzolla) together with Ms. Choi, thus inspiring the students and parents who attended the concert. Jennifer played Paganini 24 Caprice for two violins with Ms. Shin, who also is an alumnus of Juilliard. The audience later had the chance to dance with Jennifer's playful, yet masterful, Bartok violin tunes from Romanian Dances.
  Jennifer also brought two pieces of music written by her own friends. The intriguing electric sounds woven by the violin transfixed the audience for her entire performance. Throughout it all, Jennifer brought us on a trip to different places and times- from Vienna to Argentina, and from Baroque to present time. Our performing arts students will continue their journey on May 30th by performing music, dance, and acts from places such as Russia and Africa in the Summer Showcase 2019.