Charles Zhuo (Age 11) - based in MA

A few weeks ago, at the MusicOn+InterArts Festival in New York City, I was given the chance to interview several artists (including judges and composers). I am very grateful for this opportunity and what it has given me, so today I will share some important knowledge with you too. One young man I interviewed had composed a piece with three sections, each with its own distinct theme. When questioned, he said that for one of the pieces, the main sound, a repetitive thump, was inspired by one...

The Last Supper is a late 15th-century painting by Leonardo da Vinci. With strong colors and small details, it conveys the feelings of Jesus and the Apostles after, according to the Bible, Jesus declared that one of his followers would betray him. The religious theme is common amongst paintings of its time period, but what I think makes it really stand out are the small details. One aspect that stood out to me is the spilt salt in front of Judas (the traitor, wearing blue with dark skin and...

In my Ancient Civilizations class today, everything fell apart. It might’ve been the substitute teacher, or the free seating. Either way, nothing was going productively, and I couldn’t focus. When kids have their freedom limited, they use every chance they have to take it back. Assigned seats hurt their ability to bond with who they want to. A lack of free time reduces their capacity to make their own choices. And strict directions diminish their skill to think outside the box and accomplish...