Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative Class of 2023

Today we bring you four graduating seniors from Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative – a violinist, a horn player, and two percussionists. Amarin Sharma Amarin Sharma recently graduated from York Community High School in Elmhurst. Amarin started playing the violin at 7 years old. At the age of 8 she joined Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO), progressing through to the flagship Symphony Orchestra, as well as chamber groups and the Classical Orchestral Repertory Ensemble (CORE). In addition to CYSO, Amarin was involved in York Symphony Orchestra and Northwestern Music Academy Virtuosi Strings throughout high school. Amarin was a Fellow of Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) and a Mellon Foundation Scholarship recipient for three years. Through CMPI, she received guidance and support to further develop her passion in violin performance and orchestral music in preparation for music education in college. She has competed in violin competitions including the Illinois Music Association Annual Olympic Contest where she earned first place. Amarin also enjoyed participating in the ILMEA District 1 and All-State Honors orchestras festivals, as well as OPUS, Credo, and Fulton Music Academy summer camps. In developing her musical skills, Amarin was mentored by Ayako Kikuchi and Stacia Spencer at Northwestern University. In the fall she will study Violin Performance at Vanderbilt University.