Prodigiously Gifted, Prodigiously Kind

November 11, 2007 at 1:48 PM

This week, one of my very young students is performing Lalo Symphonie Espagnole with the Cleveland Orchestra in educational concerts at Severance Hall!

Chad Hoopes, age 13 is quite the accomplished performer and I am really proud of him. Actually, I share the responsibility of teaching Chad with CIM President David Cerone. (I give him lessons every Tuesday and Thursday, Mr. Cerone every Friday. It works well)

I've worked with several really gifted kids in my career, but I must say this one is special for a different reason: With all that goes on around him in his exciting young career, Chad has remained a warm, kind and very happy person. He is simply a great kid. I think that in itself is reason to celebrate his success. I hope others in his situation will follow his example!

By the way, if you don't live near Cleveland, you can hear Chad and his sisters Anna and Alexandra on an upcoming "From the Top" broadcast from Mixon Hall of CIM. Hope you will enjoy hearing it and spreading his fame far and wide. This is a kid who deserves it.

From Caeli Smith
Posted on November 11, 2007 at 3:54 PM

Hi, Mr. Russell!

I remember Chad from Mrs. Cerone's studio classes at ENCORE. He (and his sisters!) are so talented. Congratulations to him!

I'll be at the Cleveland show! Will you be attending?

From Sydney Menees
Posted on November 11, 2007 at 4:39 PM

Wow! Chad used to come to Sound Encounters in Kansas and I used to watch him and his sisters in master classes. They are a talented family.

From David Russell
Posted on November 11, 2007 at 6:40 PM

Hi Caeli,

Yes! I plan to be there for the show! It will be great to see you!
Mr. Russell

From Andrew Sords
Posted on November 12, 2007 at 4:39 PM

Hello Hoopes family!! Hope all is well...and best of luck to you, Chad!

Yes, they are very talented. In fact, I believe that on all but on of the ENCORE concerts I've played on, one of the other Hoopes children has played as well...not to mention, they are in classes with my sisters...

And congratulations to you too, Mr. Russell--you must be proud! :)

From Willie M
Posted on November 12, 2007 at 8:22 PM

The hoopes moved from the twin cities to cleveland a couple of years ago. I remember hearing Chad play first violin with his sisters in beethoven op 59 no 2 and smetana when he was in FIFTH GRADE. It was astonishing how mature and energetic their performance was

He also won the grand prize in the MNSOTA contest playing mendelssohn. The judges picked him over many highschool and college performers

From Ruth Kuefler
Posted on November 12, 2007 at 9:53 PM

Awww, Chad! I remember going to music camp with him a few years back. He's incredibly talented, and such a fun, warm, caring person! I really miss him and his sisters. I will totally listen for them on "From the Top" - how exciting!

From Mara Gerety
Posted on November 13, 2007 at 12:59 AM

Hey, I think I remember this kid! Is he the blond kid from the big musical family who was at Encore a couple years back? He was really good--such a nice tone and such great stage presence!

From David Russell
Posted on November 13, 2007 at 1:43 PM

Thats the one Mara!

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