Student Spotlight – Scott Chen

By Sami Yerunkar, Staff writer

Sophomore Scott Chen is known for both academic distinction and for musical talent. The Baron Banner caught up with Scott to see how he balances a rigorous academic schedule and orchestra at the same time.

Baron Banner: Since one of the things you\’re known for is your grades, do mind sharing your current G.P.A.?

Scott Chen: I earned a 4.8 last semester and ended my freshman year with a 4.6.

BB:  It was once considered impossible for a sophomore to have so many weighted classes. What classes are you taking?

SC: My weighted classes are English 2 Honors, AP European History, Honors Orchestra, and AP Music Theory. I don’t need to take a language class because I\’m in Chinese school, so I can take two electives. I also have Chemistry for a lab science and Algebra 2/Trigonometry for mathematics.

BB: You must study a lot to achieve such high grades. How much time do you spend studying?

SC: I have to spend a lot of time on school work and music, so I usually don’t sleep until twelve at night. I only study for history and some vocabulary for English, so I guess I don’t study that much.

BB: Are you involved in any sports on campus?

SC: I have been playing tennis for about half a year.

BB: How does tennis impact your daily schedule?

SC: I have one hour less to spend at home, but it helps me stay active.

BB: We heard your name in the announcements a few weeks ago. What was that about?

SC: That was when I made the All Southern Honors Orchestra.

BB: What is the All Southern California Honors Orchestra?

SC: The All Southern California Honors Orchestra is a music program for talented high school musicians. They have a rigorous two-part auditioning process where they audition once for entry into the Orchestra and one more time to determine your placement. We had two days of practice before our first concert.

BB: Congratulations! Music seems to be a big part of your life. What instrument do you play?

SC: I play piano and cello.

BB: How long have you been playing?

SC: I have studied piano for six and a half years, and cello for five.

BB: Have you thought about what you want to do after high school?

Scott: Perhaps study some kind of science at a good university and get a masters or a doctorate degree. I want to take a career planning course at OCC next year to see what career would fit me the most.

BB: Thank you for your time.

Scott: You\’re welcome.