A positive attitude is all you need to be successful in life.

“How much effort you put into something determines how much you receive in the end.” Elaine Chen (8) said.

Chen started playing the flute just about 18 months ago, in the beginning of her 2015-2016 school year. Chen quickly advanced to Honors Band for the following school year. She now studies with her private lesson teacher – Mrs. Beth Behning, and never prevails to excel in music. “Elaine has so many wonderful qualities that I could comment on. But three of her most endearing are her genuine care for people, commitment to relationships and her infectious positive attitude. She has blessed and empowered many in the short time she has been at Canyon Vista. ” Behning said. She tried out for district band and ended up getting all the way to region band.

Chen moved from Taiwan in the summer of 2015 along with her sister, mother, and father. When she started her new school life at our campus, she found that the school, languages, culture and environment in America were very different than Taiwan’s. So Chen started to try to assimilate into American school by improving her English and focusing hard on school work. Her mother told her that she could spend her time integrating into American school life in many other ways, like making friends and joining clubs at school.

When Chen first came here, she was a beginner in band along with Abigail Dewhirst (8). Both of their skills improved as they helped each other. After the first semester, Chen and Dewhirst both moved up to Symphonic Band.

“When I first moved up to Symphonic band, I met a lot of new young musicians.” Chen said. “Among them, a seventh grader- Srilekha Cherukuvada- who was also new to Canyon Vista, became a good friend of Abby and I. All three of us helped each other a lot. We co-operate and practice with each other and decided to perform a trio “March in Bb” in solo and ensemble. While we practiced, we became great friends and we helped improve each other’s flute skills.” Successfully, the friends received a rank one on their “March in Bb”.

After the great experience of helping each other, Chen wants to try to use a more effective way of helping others and build relationships between her peers. She believes band is the right place to start her idea.

Chen decided to run for the band council president at the beginning of the current school year. She has come up with a system in band and is ready to carry out the plan. This system is about encouraging others get together and practice. “The purpose of this program is to help better both people that are practicing, and giving chances to let them make friends with others while doing it.”

Chen took a very philosophical view to playing an instrument. She believes that it inspires people to help others and better themselves. Playing the flute is not only a hobby, it’s a passion. That goes for any instrument, orchestra or band, and choir.

“I will keep playing the flute to keep myself with my friends.” Chen said.

“She’s an amazing friend and a great role model. She’s also great at playing the flute.” Abigail Dewhirst (8), said. She has many friends and loves to help them while bettering herself. Chen takes friendship as an important thing in life, understands how valuable and precious friendships are, and believes that it is very important to put hard work in school, but also to have the passion for making friends.

All in all, Elaine Chen is a great friend to all. “ Playing the flute and joining band is awesome; It gives me a chance to know talented musicians and to make lots of good friends.”