14-Year-Old Gwinnett Violinist Offered Coveted Spot At Brevard Music's Summer Institute

DACULA, GA — Fourteen-year-old violinist, Faith Meshida, is not only passionate about performing classical music, but she also wants to help create opportunities for other Black classical musicians.

“There are few Black people in the current classical music industry and I aim to change that,” she told Patch.

Before the Central Gwinnett High School student can accomplish that, she said she must first sharpen her own skills. That means hours of practice and learning from more experienced and seasoned musicians. Recently, Faith was offered admission into the Brevard Music Center's 2022 High School Orchestral Institute in North Carolina, which is a prestigious six-and-a-half-week summer program for classical instrumentalists. She was granted a partial scholarship, but still has over $4,000 to pay out-of-pocket. She launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise the additional dollars.

“I was very excited to be granted acceptance into Brevard,” Faith told Patch. “I’ve never been able to attend a summer music program because of financial obligations.”

She said the prestigious program would give her the opportunity to hone her violin skills, particularly in orchestral, chamber, and solo music. She would also receive coaching from renowned musical artists.

Dedicated, Faith ensures that she practices at least two hours a day. It’s about commitment, she said, which means making sacrifices.

“I definitely have less time to spend with friends and extended family because of the musical activities I partake in,” Faith said. “However, I value the improvement I make when practicing and acknowledge that these sacrifices are necessary for my musical development.”

Faith has been a member of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra since the 2020 and has been accepted into the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra for the past two years. She was recently named a “Violin Alternate” for the 2022 Governor's Honors Program.

Her ultimate goal is to pursue a career in screenwriting, but first attend film school and major in screenwriting. She’s currently taking those classes at her high school. Faith said she’s also considering either minoring in music performance or taking private lessons throughout college.

Later in life, Faith wants to help Black classical musicians with grants, free instruments and music lessons.

She said being admitted into Brevard Music Center’s Institute this year is an opportunity that would “expedite” her musical development and put her closer to accomplishing her dreams.

“I know I’ll learn so much during my six weeks,” Faith said, “given I have the funds required to attend. I look forward to spending my summer being surrounded by so many serious musicians.”

Donate to Faith’s GoFundMe here.