Artist Spotlight: Eshan Parkash

Taking a bow:

Senior Eshan Parkash showcases violin talent on national stage

ARNAV GUPTA NEWS EDITOR | JOSH BASS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Few high school students could ever dream of playing at Stern Hall in Carnegie Hall, one of the most prestigious stages in the world. But in the face of an imposing audience at the opulent New York City icon, McLean’s star violinist was unfazed.

Eshan Parkash discovered his fascination for classical music at an early age. When most kids are learning to read, 5-year-old Eshan had picked up his first violin. His one-of-akind talent allowed him to breeze through introductory levels of violin. “[When he first started] Eshan only knew how to play on the E string, the highest pitched one,” Eshan’s mother, Connie Parkash, said. “After [six months], other parents began telling me that they were amazed Eshan finished Suzuki Book 1, a common introductory book for string instruments. It was typically expected that a student would spend in excess of one year to finish each book.”

ESHAN REALLY DOES IT ALL WHEN IT COMES TO MUSIC – HE’S ARGUABLY ONE OF THE BEST MUSICIANS IN OUR STATE.”

- STARLET SMITH MCLEAN ORCHESTRA TEACHER

Eshan practiced every day throughout his childhood and joined countless youth orchestra groups. His passion would only develop further after meeting his current instructor, Ko Sugiyama.

“[Before meeting Mr. Sugiyama], it really felt as though my previous teachers found [instructing me] a chore. They would make sure I played the correct notes,” Eshan said. “Mr. Sugiyama emphasized phrasing to a huge extent, or the idea of making music interesting and enjoyable to listen to... it was a whole new world to discover, and it [heightened] my passion and interest in music greatly.”

Eshan’s talent propelled him to worldclass venues; he played in a string quartet at the Millennium Stage in the Kennedy Center and as principal second violinist for the Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. Eshan found Carnegie Hall to be an especially stark contrast to other venues he’s performed at.

Stringing to success — Eshan Parkash leads the first violin section in the McLean Philharmonic orchestra. The section is playing the melody in “Sleigh Ride,” a piece played annually in the holiday assembly hosted shortly before winter break.

“The architecture in Carnegie Hall was super impressive,” Eshan said. “The stage was extremely big, and I’d never played with such high ceilings before. The echoing was immense.”

His key to success on the stage relies on his sustained confidence in his music.

“Performing at huge stages like the Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center isn’t as nerve-wracking as it initially might seem, especially [because] it is an orchestra performance,” Eshan said. “During performances, I do my best to focus on emoting through the music rather than letting my brain slip to fear of messing up.”

Eshan is also a major contributor to McLean’s orchestra program, occupying a concertmaster position for the Philharmonic orchestra, the highest level offered.

“When I first met Eshan, I immediately knew he was a top notch musician from the first notes he played for me. [His] sound is extremely clean, articulate and expressive,” orchestra teacher Starlet Smith said. “Students know to look to Eshan as the role model for not only tempo, bowing and fingering suggestions, but also for the overarching musical style of each piece we play.”

Smith has noted Eshan’s unusual musical abilities, rarely seen in high school orchestras.

“Eshan really does it all when it comes to music—he’s arguably one of the best musicians in our state,” Smith said. “Eshan is also a great improviser, can learn passages by ear within seconds and has perfect pitch. He’s able to grasp onto music so quickly that he can often play something he hears someone else play, even on a different instrument, on the violin within a few seconds.”

Eshan has shown his dedication to music outside of the orchestra room; he teaches aspiring musicians through an extracurricular group.

“Eshan has been a leading member of the Back to Bach Program for several years,” Smith said. “He travels to local elementary schools, libraries and other community venues as part of a string quartet with piano and gives presentations introducing stringed instruments to young students.”

Despite his noticeable drive, Eshan has had to find creative ways to fit his McLean class schedule with his rigorous practicing schedule—and must occasionally make sacrifices.

“During hectic times such as this year, I truthfully don’t have a great amount of time for violin practice,” Parkash said. “I try to maximize my time by playing the violin during lunch as much as possible, and during Highlander Time for orchestra.”

Eshan is his biggest critic, always looking to improve his technique and performances.

“As violinists, we constantly critique ourselves for every minor detail that can be improved, be it a note that is slightly out of tune, or even a barely audible squeak as a result of the bow losing contact with the string for a split second,” Eshan said. “When we hear recordings of ourselves, each of these details sticks out like a sore thumb... [even though] these details may seem trivial to ordinary listeners.”

Eshan doesn’t have plans to play the violin professionally but may join a collegiate orchestra program.

“I am considering majoring in music or performing arts in college, but it is not completely decided yet,” Eshan said. “One thing is for sure...I plan to join whatever orchestra my future college provides, and continue playing for leisure beyond that.”

Whatever the future holds for the talented violinist, Eshan is determined to explore his love for music as well as inspire those around him to pursue their own interests.

“I’ve never thought about a day where I don’t have the violin by my side,” Eshan said. “I long to share the indescribable impact music has had on my life with others, and I hope it can make the same positive difference [in their lives].”

I LONG TO SHARE THE INDESCRIBABLE IMPACT MUSIC HAS HAD ON MY LIFE WITH OTHERS.”

- ESHAN PARKASH SENIOR

A one of a kind Violin for a one of a kiind player — Eshan Parkash’s beloved violin has not left his side since its purchase five years ago. The antique was orignally made in France a century ago, and he bought it in Hong Kong.