Amir Pierre-Louis

By Stacie Ball | Photo by Mollie Shutt

Age: 16 GROW

Some people spend a lifetime attempting to make a career of a passion while helping others at the same time. South Side High School sophomore Amir Pierre-Louis already has a plan to use her talent and love of music altruistically. Pierre-Louis is an extremely talented viola player, who was accepted into the Fort Wayne Junior Philharmonic Youth Symphony Orchestra in eighth grade. She uses phenomenal organizational skills to be involved in many different fine arts activities in school and within the community. Already, she has received a $250 scholarship from The Fort Wayne Chapter of the Links to assist with music classes.

What activities are you involved in?

I participate in many activities. I am a member of South Side High School Orchestra, Green Machine Marching Band and French Club. Community Activities include being an active member of Fort Wayne Dance Collective and the Fort Wayne Jr. Philharmonic Youth Symphony Orchestra for the past three years. It is so amazing because the orchestra has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in 2020.

Pierre-Louis plays the viola in the Fort Wayne Junior Philharmonic Youth Symphony Orchestra, which has opened many opportunities for her. Students involved with the orchestra may receive coaching with philharmonic musicians, performances alongside the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, chances to attend master classes or guest artist visits, complimentary tickets to certain philharmonic concerts, and opportunities for scholarships.

How do you manage it all?

I take time management seriously. I stay focused and I plan my responsibilities, both short term and long term, in order to accomplish all my goals. I list all major assignments and activities on my personal calendar, as well as the family calendar. My mom and I both have calendars with all my activities listed on them. I strive to make it a point to attend all engagements and do my very best at all times. I am able to achieve this through help from my extended family. The saying, “It takes a village” is very true.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I will be a senior at Howard University majoring in music and minoring in psychology. At that point, I will be working on becoming a music therapist. I will also pursue postgraduate course work. My goal is to provide therapy to people through music, something that I love.

Music therapy is a method of health care that focuses on a patient’s social, emotional and physical needs. It is non-invasive and is known to produce powerful results without the use of medicine. After certification, Pierre-Louis could provide services to people of all ages, who will gain the therapeutic benefits of creating, listening to, learning or performing music. a