Whiz Kid: Walter King-Bails

For over 10 years, Walter King-Bails has atteneded music events and classes such as drum workshops at Clark Park in West Philly, Music Theory in Philadelphia, guest speakers like Yizak Perlman at The Mann Center; concerts such as Yo-Yo Ma, The Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic and smaller orchestras at Abington Presbyterian Church and the Bryn Athyn Orchestra.

Walter, a current 8th grader at Murray Avenue, would imitate his dad, Greg, when he was younger as he sung church songs and hymns around the house. It was then that he first developed the passion for music.  

"My dad always used to sing and we would mimic him, King-Bails said. "My mom would always play the piano, and she started me on piano and brought me to different places."

Thanks to his parent's passion for music, Walter has seen all different aspects of the genre growing up. His dedication certainly cannot be overlooked.

He spends about 5-6 days a week immersed in music outside of his home, as well as up to 2 hours a day practicing on his own.

He's in his second year with the Bucks County Youth Orchestra and recently began his first stint with the Bryn Athyn Orchestra. Bryn Athyn, though, is a group primarily made up of adults. He and his 13-year-old sister, Cheyenne, are the only "students."

"It’s hard, it’s all adults," King-Bails said. "Me and my sister are the youngest people there. It’s really fun. I tried to stay away and sit in the back (when I saw we were the youngest ones). They just play rhythm and teaches you how to work with other people with music and performing."

Musical Experience:

• Cello – 6 years
• Music Theory – 4 years
• Piano – 3 years
• Chambers of Music – 3 years
• Trio Experience – 3 years

Walter also excels on the athletic field, a combination of music of sports that does not always mix with most students.

He has participiated on the Lower Moreland Swimming and Diving team for the last six years and is ranked No. 3 in the Butterfly among Pennsylvania swimmers.

He currently plays football for the Bryn Athyn Lions and formerly played with the Frankford Chargers. He plays on both sides of the ball as a running back and a linebacker. He ranked second in rushing in the Delaware Valley League last season. He also plays in Huntingdon Valley Athletic Association Leagues for baseball and basketball.

It doesn’t stop there.

He was also the third-ranked wrestler in the Bryn Athyn Church private league from 4^th-7^th grade. Walter also dabbles in lacrosse, where he currently is trying out for the Abington lacrosse club.

"I’m more involved in music, but I like them both equally," King-Bails said.

Walter is following in his older brother’s footsteps. Linus King, 26, and is currently in Jefferson Medical School. He was the one who got Walter into football when he was younger.  Linus is still a record-holding wrestler and football player for the Academy of the New Church and Lehigh College Wrestling Tournaments, which he set back in 2001.  He attended Pitt where he played on the Rugby team.

Previous Lower Moreland Whiz Kids:

Ariel Schuman

Alicia Elizabeth Barry

Sean McCusker

Jason Meleco

Yana Matkivski