In addition to playing in GA’s orchestra, Chadda wanted to feel challenged and to explore different types of music. He decided to play in the Delaware County Youth Orchestra, “...because it would help me improve my ensemble skills, broaden my knowledge of orchestral music, and meet other like-minded musicians. An advantage of DCYO is the opportunity to play with soloists from the Philadelphia Orchestra. Another benefit is that we are learning some modern works by living composers.” Chadda’s favorite piece of music however is classical and by Frederic Chopin - the Ballade no.4 in F Minor for Piano.  He also has been playing piano since age four.

Playing music beautifully doesn’t “just happen.” Chadda practices around five days a week. During the week he practices 30-45 minutes, and on the weekends from one to one and a half hours. It might not seem like a lot, but as he says, “Good practice is more about the quality than the quantity of practice.”

Music provides Chadda a good outlet, especially during the pandemic. “There were many orchestras and soloists who did virtual performance videos. It was inspiring that they were still working despite the lockdown. I joined with the GA String Orchestra to make three of our own videos. It was a great way to spend extra time. Our first video of the piece Jupiter was a very fulfilling experience. The beginning of the pandemic, as terrible as it was, gave me more time to write music.”

Will his violin playing continue in his future? Chadda says, “I may pursue music or composition as a minor in college. The violin could also be a great way to relax after long days at work. I could also attend orchestra concerts from time to time. I will probably still write music on the side, and perhaps have it published.” We certainly look forward to Chadda’s next great piece.