This week's Staff Spotlight highlights the newer half of our strings instruction team, Yanchi Chen. This is her first year at Haycock, and she couldn't be happier to work here!

How long have you been a teacher?

While this is my first year at Haycock, this is my 12th year of sharing the joy of music with students.

What were you like as a child?

Endlessly curious! My mom called me a little question mark, and honestly, I think she deserved an award for answering and surviving all my questions!

What made you want to work in a school?

Teaching in a school lets me combine music, creativity, and those amazing "Aha!" moments from students. Every day, it’s where magic happens!

What do you love about Haycock?

The wonderful students, supportive staff, and positive energy all around. It’s a great place to be!

What makes you smile or relaxes you?

A beautiful piece of music, a peaceful hike, and watching Disney movies with my family. Who doesn’t love a happy ending?

What books are you currently reading?

This week, I’m reading a music score—Mozart’s "Violin Concerto No. 3". Eugène Ysaÿe wrote the cadenzas for the first and third movements, which makes it even more fascinating!

What other media entertains you?

Although I love classical orchestral works, movie music always grabs my heart. "Cinema Serenade" by Itzhak Perlman is one of my favorite recordings!

What fills your time outside of school?

If I have free time, I enjoy playing Bach’s works—they have a way of purifying my soul. 

I also love exploring new recipes, because music and good food make everything better!

Our students love "fun facts" about people and topics. What's a fun fact about you?

Bach’s music and dumplings have a lot in common—layers of complexity, endless variations, and always satisfying!