When Lucy’s family moved to Cincinnati from Virginia, she was just seven years old. It was then that her journey at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy began, and she’s been part of the CHCA family ever since. Now a junior, Lucy is not only an integral member of CHCA’s Orchestra program but also a passionate advocate for using music to uplift the community. Her story is a powerful reflection of how CHCA’s nurturing environment encourages students to develop their talents, serve others, and grow in faith.
A Reluctant Start That Became a Passion
Lucy’s path to becoming an accomplished cellist began with hesitation. When she heard in third grade that students would be required to learn an instrument by fifth grade, she worried she wouldn’t be able to keep up. Determined to get ahead, Lucy and her mom carefully chose an instrument she could start learning early. The cello became her choice, although her initial motivation was simply to avoid falling behind. It wasn’t until her eighth-grade recital that Lucy realized her true love for music.
“During my eighth-grade recital, I played Edward Elgar’s ‘Salut d’Amour,’ and a mother in the audience told my mom how much she loved the performance—it even brought her to tears,” Lucy recalled. “That was the first time I realized the impact music could have, and it made me want to continue.”
Support, Challenge, and Growth at CHCA
Lucy credits much of her musical growth to the teachers who saw potential in her and pushed her to excel. Her early experiences in the Orchestra were shaped by Mrs. Amy Macy, who laid
a strong foundation for Lucy as a musician and leader. Lucy’s private lessons with Mrs. Wei challenged her to take on difficult pieces, pushing her to refine her skills. In high school, her Orchestra teacher, Dr. Grantham, encouraged her to audition for the Cincinnati Youth Symphony Orchestra (CSYO), a challenge Lucy never imagined she’d undertake.
“Dr. Grantham kept telling me, ‘Go for CSYO. Just try it out—I think you can get in,’” Lucy said. “That encouragement pushed me to audition, and when I got in, I realized how much his belief in me mattered.”
Lucy now plays with the CSYO, and her dedication is clear. She spent an entire summer perfecting excerpts and solo pieces for her audition—proof of her commitment to her craft. Lucy’s growth has also been significantly supported by her current private lessons teacher, Dr. Sera Cheon, who has helped her refine her technical skills and prepare for major performances. Lucy balances her musical practice with her academic work, service projects, and even piano lessons. Her independent spirit and drive have been honed over the years at CHCA, where students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own schedules and to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.
Bringing Music to the Community Through Service
For Lucy, music isn’t just about performances or personal growth—it’s also a tool for service. She co-leads a service group called “Musical Memories,” where she and other students visit nursing homes and care facilities to play music for the residents, many of whom have memory-related conditions. The group visits places like Angels Care Nursing Home, Anna Louise Inn, and Mercy Health Jewish Hospital, offering live performances that bring comfort and joy.
“Musical Memories isn’t about perfect technique,” Lucy explained. “It’s about building community through music. We want to connect with people and bring smiles to their faces, even if it’s just for a moment.”
One of Lucy’s most touching experiences with Musical Memories happened when they played Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” at Angels Care Nursing Home. One of the residents asked them to play the song repeatedly, seemingly forgetting each time they had just performed it. But each time, her face lit up with emotion, hinting at a cherished memory brought to the surface by the music.
“We later learned from one of the nurses that the song might have been played at her wedding or another special moment in her life,” Lucy said. “Seeing how music could bring such emotion and memory to her was really beautiful.”
Faith and Leadership
Music has also been an avenue through which Lucy lives out her faith. Alongside her co-leader, Samantha Bennett, a current senior, Lucy has used Musical Memories as a way to serve others while acknowledging the gifts that God has given her and her peers. “All of my skill and talent is thanks to God. I could lose my ability to play at any moment, so I feel like I have to use this gift for something good,” Lucy shared.
Her leadership journey extends beyond her service group. As the principal cellist in the CHCA Orchestra since her sophomore year, Lucy learned to balance leading her section while staying humble, especially when working alongside older students. This experience taught her how to lead by example and how to cultivate a supportive atmosphere in the Orchestra. Her father has also played an important role in nurturing Lucy’s leadership abilities. “My dad would always challenge me, even in small ways, like going on runs together and talking about leadership skills,” she said. “He taught me to pay attention to others, to listen before speaking, and to recognize when someone who’s usually quiet wants to share their thoughts.” These lessons have shaped Lucy into a compassionate and effective leader, both on and off the stage.
The Next Chapter: Music Therapy
Looking ahead, Lucy has her sights set on pursuing music therapy in college—an aspiration that stems directly from her experiences with Musical Memories. “I love seeing the way music affects people emotionally. Watching residents’ expressions change and seeing them sing along—it made me realize I want to do this all the time,” Lucy said.
Her time at CHCA has given her not only the skills but also the purpose to use her music for something meaningful. Whether she’s performing with CSYO, leading her peers, or serving her community, Lucy’s journey is a testament to the power of encouragement, hard work, and a heart for service. And as she looks to her future, Lucy knows she’s only just beginning to explore the impact that her love for music can make in the world.
