Scholar Spotlight
A prolific writer of poetry and song, Nate is a dynamic speaker and isn't shy about performing in front of an audience.
Kirill Miniaev
“My earliest memories are not words or scenes. They are music.”
- Program: 2008 College Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Overland Park, KS
- Hometown: Moscow, Russia
- Age: 19
- Four-year College or University: Yale University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Arts / Music / Performance, Business, Philosophy, Music
- Other Interests: Architecture, Design, Film / Photography, Foreign Languages / International Study, Languages, Performing Arts / Theatre, Philosophy, Visual Arts
Scholar Interview - Kirill Miniaev |
|
Watching this video requires Flash 7 or higher.
|
Biography
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUNG SCHOLAR EXPERIENCE: With his early life dominated by music camps and festivals, Kirill relished the opportunity to explore nonmusical areas of interest through the Young Scholars Program. One summer he studied marine zoology at Duke University. Next came 3D game design at Stanford University, then animation and industrial design at Savannah College of Art and Design. Not neglecting his first love, Kirill also studied musical composition and attended a summer music festival in Siena, Italy.
PROFILE: Kirill grew up listening to his mother practice for hours every day on the cello, playing Mendelssohn, Strauss, and Brahms while his father made stringed instruments. He started on the violin at age four, but by age six had shifted to the cello. Now an accomplished cellist, he is co-principal cello of the Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City and has auditioned and performed in both the US and abroad. He was born in Russia and immigrated to the United States in 1995. Fluent in English, Russian, and Spanish, he also plays the flute, viola, and bass guitar. He founded and performs with a cello quartet.
INSPIRATION: Over many years of studying classical music Kirill came to understand that this musical style is dying out. Recognizing that a basic business/financial education is critical to success, he plans to pursue “a financial education in conjunction with music to eventually find new ways of promoting classical music.”
ASPIRATION: Kirill’s life goal is to “return appreciation, understanding and popularity to classical music and classical musicians.” To that end, he aspires to become a musician/businessman.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Kirill has helped build homes for the impoverished around the Kansas City area and hopes to establish his own foundation to assist others who are less fortunate.
ACCOLADES: A member of the Cum Laude Society, an AP Scholar, and National Merit Scholarship Commended Student, Kirill received a Columbia University Book Award.
INTERESTING FACT: Kirill founded a rock band that plays heavy metal–on cellos.
Other Scholars Like Kirill
Anastassia
Young Scholar
The King's Academy
Jasmine
Young Scholar
St. John's School, Houston, TX
Caitlin Polley
Graduate Scholar
University of Pennsylvania
Dashell
Young Scholar
Flint Hill School