Linda Liu: a piano prodigy

Amiya Garg

Homework, pianist, and talent show winner - 7th grader

Linda Liu can do it all. The secret behind how she balances her school work and music: “I don't, I just try to finish all my school work at school, so I can focus on music at home,” says Linda. She started playing piano when she was four years old. She would practice everyday, which eventually paid off. Her piano career started off because of her parents, however, as she progressed to harder and more complicated songs, she began to enjoy the complexity of practicing as well as the visible improvement she saw in herself

She soon realized that she could release her anger by slamming the piano keys and finding a song that fit her mood.

Linda tested for level eight. Levels in piano are used to figure out where the pianist is compared to educational standards. She only had half a year to prepare, when others practiced for over a year.

Not only did she pass level eight, but she got a state honor

It was a long journey for Linda, “It took a lot of mental power,“ she states “ I would practice every single day at least 45 minutes, sometimes practicing more than two hours.” Her fingers would hurt and be sore from endless hours of practice, but Linda pushed through the pain in order to achieve her goal, which she did. She was able to go home with her head held high and a state honor.

Linda used her piano talent to win Blach's talent show. However, she put a little twist on the piano and played blindfolded. On top of that, she played complex and difficult songs. “For that specific [talent show] song , yes, I had a lot of practice with it ” She had to practice a lot in order to get it right. The video that was submitted was a week and gets paid for it too.

A struggle she faces throughout her lessons is, “When I teach Justin [her brother], he still doesn’t fully respect me as a teacher.” definitely not her first attempt.

They often get into fights, and when it happens, Justin threatens to make sure she doesn’t get paid.

In addition to learning and practicing piano herself, she also teaches her ten-yearold brother five days

Even after they fight, and they go back to their lesson, there are a few minutes of awkward silence. However, as time goes on, they easily make up and continue their lesson.

Linda Liu balances school work and music perfectly to be the talented piano performer she is.

Blach’s undefeated track and field team crushes rival Egan, continuing the tradition

Athletes continued the 20+ year old tradition of crushing their rivals

Blach’s track and field team, composed of around 100 athletes, continued the 20+ year old tradition of crushing their rivals, Egan in the final dual meet of the season.

A co-ed 7th and 8th grade team, the Blach track and field team has historically been one of the top-ranking teams in the LASD league.

Jasper Lee, who placed well in the track and field gym unit, is competing in the 4x100s (which is his favorite event), 4x400s, and high jump. He says that he enjoys “the thrill of running.”

Jasper also said that the sand track is difficult to get a good start on, as the runner often slips off the starting block because of how gravely and sandy the track is.

Long jumper Rhys Kellet echoed this sentiment saying that it was hard to get a good start when beginning a race.

Blach’s team started off their season versus Lawson on May 2nd. They crushed Lawson with a wonderful start to their season.

The track and field scoring system is a complicated process, with athletes competing individually while earning points for their team. This fosters a great sense of personal goals and work ethic, while still competing with teammates and working together as a school.

Eighth grader Le Richardson started track last year as a 7th grader and is competing in both relay events (the 4x100s and 4x400s) as well as triple jump and long jump.

He says that the best thing about track and field is “competing in