By Michael Pyo ’22, Staff Writer

Mason Kung ‘22, was surprised that he was considered “interview worthy.” But, after all, he is an amazing cellist, who plays in the High School Orchestra this year. I told him that I had seven questions for him, and his response was: “Thank Goodness! I thought this was gonna take a long time! I got homework to do!”

I decided to start with an easy question:

“How long have you been playing the cello?”         

“I started playing the cello when I was 3 ½ years old, so about 8 ½ years.”

(In my head: “I know how to do math!)…

“Wow! That’s more than some of the high schoolers in the orchestra!”

“Yeah, I know.” a grin on his face.

(Laughter…)

“How did you start playing cello– how did you discover this instrument?”

(Pause)…(One more pause)…(Foot Tapping)…

“Sorry, I was thinking! My first instrument was the violin, but then later I had also developed a skill for cello, and I decided that I like cello better!”

(Interesting, sounds like my life story)…

“Where do you go take lessons, who is your teacher?”

“I take lessons at the Manhattan School of Music located in New York. My teacher’s name is Marian Feldman.”

(We got a child prodigy here!)

“So tell me about your relationship with your cello?”

(Looks at me as if I’m crazy)…

“I enjoy playing the cello very much; it brings me happiness and joy.”

(So we know he enjoys it…but what other secrets is he keeping?)

“Have your parents supported you, and do you give them credit for your talent?”

“My parents do support me, but they do not play instruments. But they do pay for my lessons, and drive me all the way to New York!”

(Wonder how much fuel that takes up…?)

“You are playing in the high school orchestra here in Newark Academy; how do you feel about that?”

“I feel excited about playing with the high school orchestra, because it gives me an opportunity to learn different, and more challenging, music every concert!”

“Do you think you are going to continue playing and cherishing this instrument?”

“Yes! Maybe not forever, but I will definitely do it throughout my career at Newark Academy!”

(That will probably feel like forever!)…

“Thank you for answering all my questions! This was a wonderful!”

“No problem! See you next period…” and Mason zooms out the door….