Whiz Kid Selina Magid Gets Her Groove On

Whiz Kid's Name: Selina Magid

Whiz Kid's Age: 17

Whiz Kid's School: Crescenta Valley High School, Senior

Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness: Magid has turned bassoon-playing into a way of life, and has established a promising future for herself. “I love making music and it’s neat to make it with all sorts of people. It’s a universal language.” Magid continues: “It’s enjoyable to create something beautiful. Trying to access that 'something bigger' is my passion.”

Whiz Kid's Accomplishments: The accomplishments of this lovely, poised young woman are astonishing. Selina Magid maintains a 4.3 GPA, two jobs, club memberships, and athletic excellence; on top of all that, Magid is on her way to becoming a virtuoso on the bassoon. “When I saw a picture of the bassoon in the 7th grade, I said, 'I’m totally gonna play that!’"

She began her lessons with local L.A. Chamber Orchestra bassoonist, Ken Munday, and continued with different teachers over the years. She currently studies with Judy Farmer, a professor of music at the University of Southern California. Selina has played with the , the Colburn Orchestra da Camera, the Jacaranda Youth Orchestra and the Honors Wind Ensemble. She has attended Arrowbear Music Camp and the prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan.

As far as athletics go, the pole vault is her passion. As with the bassoon, when Magid spotted a pole vault, she knew it was for her. “There was a shining beacon of light around it,” she jokes. “I’m one of two female vaulters on the CV High Varsity Track & Field team.” 

When the rest of the world is slowing down over summer break, Magid cranks it up a notch with two jobs and a summer school class. Utilizing the experience gained in her years as defense attorney on the Mock Trial Team at CVHS, where she helped propel the team to a record win, Magid works each day at a probate and real estate law firm learning about all kinds of law. Then she heads out to her job as an usher at the Hollywood Bowl. Magid took the job mainly for the free concerts ('Dudamel is my favorite!' she gushes) but enjoys the challenge of guest relations. “Just like in law,” says Selina,  “I really have to think on my feet. Not everybody at the Bowl is nice or goes with the flow.” 

Magid is looking at colleges with a music conservatory but is undecided about her other major. “I’m keeping my GPA up so I can keep my options open,” she says. “I love learning new things and succeeding. It’s hard work, but the support of my family and friends keeps me grounded.”