Dreher student Amy Zhang gives concert at USC Music Hall with Samiron Ray.

Can music really calm the savage beast? If so, the young Amy Zhang’s classical piano would be the best weapon for anyone trapped in a lions’ den.

Seventeen–year– old Amy is a native of LA and has been playing piano for the last nine years. For five years Amy learned chords and notes from piano instructors. Upon moving to Orangeburg four years ago, she began teaching herself. Three years ago, Amy became a Columbia resident, and she has been continuously sharpening her piano skills, although she has not had a piano teacher since her days in LA.

According to Amy, music “will not be learned well if you aren’t passionate about it.”

Last Friday, Amy and her peer, Samiron Ray, held a concert in the USC music hall. The set list included pieces from masters such as Mozart and Chopin. The event served as a fundraiser for the SC Youth Advocate Program. Amy is spending her last year at Dreher High School and is undecided as to where she will attend school next semester.