Student Spotlight: Tiffany Ding

Student Spotlight: Tiffany Ding

Claire Huang, Arts and Entertainment Editor

As the Youtube video plays, one can tell how undeniably talented junior Tiffany Ding is as she sings and plays the piano to a cover of The Script’s “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved.” However, this isn’t the only video showcasing her talents; other videos on her Youtube channel feature her playing the guitar and dancing as well.

Ding has been dancing since she was 8, singing since she was 3 and playing the guitar since she was 11. She has also been playing the violin since she was 12. With the exception of dancing, all of these talents have been self-taught.

“I’ve always been exceptionally good with music and my perfect pitch helps me a lot. My dad influences me a lot since he’s been a musician his whole life,” Ding stated.

At Diamond Bar High School, Ding is part of the competitive Dance Team and the Performance and Dance Ensemble, an advanced dance class where dancers are able to showcase their own choreography. She also participates in Symphony Orchestra where she is given the opportunity to be challenged with playing different pieces of classical music. In Orchestra, Ding has been conducting for three years and is looking forward to a fourth year. Although she admits that it is difficult because it requires leadership and natural talent, she does enjoy standing on the podium and guiding the musical group, a goal since she had since she was eight years old.

Throughout her high school career, Ding has made many achievements in the fine arts that she is proud of. In fact, in her sophomore year, she was named “Most Dedicated” by Concert Orchestra. Furthermore, each year, her dance team has won numerous first place trophies.

Although Ding has her hands full with extracurricular activities, she still maintains a rigorous schedule with classes from periods 0 to 6A while managing to keep a weighted 4.4 GPA. Even when she occasionally has dance team or orchestra practice afterschool, Ding continues to uphold her superb academic performance.

“Grades are definitely number one priority,” Ding stated.

In the future, Ding sees herself performing or being involved with music editing, which will be a great fit for her because of her amazing talent and relentless dedication to the arts.