Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sabrina Patel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sabrina, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
Every day for 1 year, I begged my parents to play violin. I used to watch a show called, Little Einsteins, and one of the characters on that show played the violin. Finally, my mom found lessons for me, and I first started learning to play the violin right before my 4th birthday. Even from that early age, my mom and I setup a practice schedule where we would review different songs every day and work on the new material. We still do that together today; every day; no matter where we are. If we are traveling on the road, we still carve out time to practice when we arrive at our destination. Having that consistency in my life as grounded me and allowed me to perform at the best of my ability.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Sabrina Patel, and I am an 11-year-old violinist who has been playing the violin for 7 years. I have performed at several Major Sporting Events including Detroit Pistons, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers, USA Diving National Championships, University of Illinois Men’s Basketball, Kansas State Men’s Basketball, MEAC Post Season Conference Tournament for Men’s Basketball, B1G 10 Post Season Conference Tournament for Women’s Softball, as well as many MiLB Teams.
The largest event I’ve ever performed at was ALCS 2023 Game 5 for the Texas Rangers vs the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field for more than 40,000 fans. The crowd was singing along with me while I played the National Anthem, and it was truly one of the best experiences of my life. Former President George W. Bush even invited me to meet him which is something I will always remember. It was such an honor to be chosen to perform for that game.
My goal is to play the National Anthem in all 50 states! I’ve completed 20 states so far with my most recent performance at University of New Mexico Women’s Basketball. The community in Albuquerque was so welcoming; two separate news stations featured my story so when we arrived at the venue; a lot of fans knew who I was, and it made the performance extra special. The next states that I will be adding are Missouri and Oklahoma this winter. In Missouri, I will be performing at University of Missouri for both a Men’s and Women’s Basketball game and in Oklahoma; I will be playing the National Anthem at two Oklahoma Warriors Hockey games.
I am also the Junior Ambassador for Kids Music Day with the non-profit Keep Music Alive. Kids Music Day is a holiday on the first Friday of October that is dedicated to fostering kid’s love of music. I really enjoy my role with Keep Music Alive because I can share my love of music with the next generation. I’ve volunteered at Musical Instrument Petting Zoos and also at Gymboree Music & Play Classes; where I can interact with kids beginning to explore music.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Practice every day but don’t overdo it! Quality over quantity.
2. It’s important to be able to talk to people and not be too shy. Always be generous, humble, and thankful for the opportunities you are given. After I perform; a lot of people approach me and have different stories to share about how my performance touched them. I love hearing this and I love engaging with the fans.
3. Always try new things – my current new endeavor is called “Tapolin” – this is where I am working on combining tap dance and violin together at the same time. It’s a challenge to get the tap rhythms and violin to line up; but once it does; it sounds great, and everyone enjoys it.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am hoping to do a National Anthem Tour of New England & Mid-Atlantic in the Fall and I am looking for venues and opportunities to connect with.
I am also a member of Songbird Strings which is a Tour Group with Songbird Rising Suzuki School in Austin, TX. This past year the group has toured in the UK, performed with the Grammy-award winning trio Time for Three, and performed in the Member’s Lounge at the Midori concert at the Long Center. Recently, the group submitted an audition for the National Anthem at Austin FC and we are hoping to perform there and any additional experiences.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sabrinapatelviolinist/
- Twitter: @SabrinaAnthem
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@SabrinaPatel
Image Credits
Danielle Patel, Beth Whittington, Pacific University Staff Photographers, Dayton Dragons Staff Photographers
