About Me
The following are some of my personal details, which I kindly request that you handle with care. Please feel free to contact me whenever needed, as I would be delighted to respond to any inquiries you may have.
Ian Cheung is a passionate website developer and Discord bot programmer. It was actually the onset of the pandemic and the shift to online schooling that prompted his interest in coding. Having his routine disrupted, Ian felt compelled to learn something new, particularly with the abundance of free time available due to online schooling. Thus, he began dedicating his evenings and weekends to constructing (very poorly made) websites. Having had exposure to coding at primary school such as Scratch and Micro:bit since a young age, he had actually never considered it to be something he would greatly pursue, but instead something on the side as a hobby. However, the aspects of being a developer became more intriguing over time, most notably the ability to create a product he or someone could use.
Every day, Ian wake up thirsty and passionate to accelerate my understanding of this constantly evolving field that is hugely satisfying to comprehend. Mastering computer programming allows him to think independently, solve problems and be resilient when facing seemingly impossible challenges. Ian is also very eager to explore more about development outside of class to accelerate his learning and improve his abilities. Currently being a self-motivated high school student, Ian is enthusiastic about the potential of technology in the foreseeable future. With a solid foundation in computer programming, as well as strong organization and leadership skills, Ian is also dedicated to expanding his experience regarding programming. He also enjoys working as a tutor to young kids about coding and robotics in the community.
Years of Music Education
Violinist Ian Cheung joined the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra in 2023. Born in Hong Kong, he previously studied with Professor Michael Ma and Ms. Li Junjun. He currently studies under the tutelage of Professor Chen Zhao of the San Francisco Symphony.
Ian first grasped the beauty of classical music and compositions during his toddler years when his mother frequently played Mozart's “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” on a CD player at home. At the age of six, Ian began learning the violin and joined his primary school’s orchestra soon after. Since then, Ian has been actively participating in school orchestras every year and making steady progress. He became the Co-Principal first violin of the Senior Strings Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra in his primary school, partaking in a performance tour in Taipei with the school in 2018. At the age of ten, he entered the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), marking the beginning of his professional music education. Ian was the principal violinist of the Junior Strings Ensemble and Junior Repertoire Ensemble in HKAPA under the baton of Mr. Goh Ching.
Ian attained the Fellowship Trinity College London (FTCL) for Violin Performance in 2022. He has also won accolades in various local competitions, including the 74th Hong Kong Schools Music Festival in 2021 – Violin Concerto - Age 19 or under, the 4th Taiwan Asia Aegean Sea Music International Competition in 2020 – Hong Kong Preliminary Round in Violin Open Class D, International Young Artist Music Contest in 2020, Tokyo International Youth Music Competition 2020 Strings Intermediate Class, the 6th Hong Kong International Youth Performance Arts Festival in Violin Open Class in Youth A Class 2018, and the 10th Hong Kong Students Open Music Competition 2017 – Violin Grade 8.
In 2022, Ian moved to the SF Bay Area with his parents. He is currently studying under Prof. Chen Zhao, and is a student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-college Academy. He was also a member of the California All-State of Music Education Conference (CASMEC) High School Symphony Orchestra 2023 at Fresno Convention Center. In the previous summer, Ian attended C’est Bon Chamber Music Academy. Moreover, he has also been participating in Gunn High School’s instrumental music program, including the Chamber Orchestra as well as Symphony Orchestra, where he holds the position of concertmaster for the 2023-2024 school year. Ian is very passionate about performing both solo and orchestral pieces from various genres. Beyond classical music, Ian enjoys computer programming, video games, music composition, and listening to music. Ian hopes that he can combine and apply his knowledge in both music and computer science to inspire individuals to use technology as a medium to embrace, share and create.
Total Server Members
Lastly, Ian has had abundant customer service and technical support experiences managing massive online communities, one with over 10,000 members, thanks to his exceptional leadership quality. Ian is always equipped to handle a variety of issues and inquiries from different, ranging from basic troubleshooting to more complex technical issues. This has taught him how to communicate clearly and effectively with users of all levels of technical expertise, as well as how to de-escalate potentially difficult situations. Ian also plays a key role in developing marketing and advertising strategies for maintaining an engaging community atmosphere, as well as for fostering a positive and inclusive community culture.
Online Server Members
Rarely do I actually play the game itself, I instead handle everything from server administration and moderation to organizing events for others to enjoy. As an owner of the server, I think through every nitty-gritty detail, from scheduling and logistics to potential hiccups and backup plans. My goal is to make sure every event runs smoothly, leaving everyone participating with a positive experience. My organizational skills and community-building efforts have even allowed me to host interviews with renowned voice actors. I have the honor to invite Sean Chiplock and Chelsea Kwoka to an online interview, where other individuals can directly interact with them and ask them questions. These events were huge successes, with hundreds of participants tuning in to learn from and interact directly with these talented individuals. So, while I might not be organizing events in a traditional setting, I'm confident that my behind-the-scenes skills make me a valuable asset to any community. I believe I am a natural leader, a problem-solver, and a master of planning and execution, allowing me to complete any project very effectively and efficiently.
Visual Studio Code, Replit, Google Firebase, Heroku, Github
Bootstrap, discord.py, Node.js, jQuery, React
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Java, Scheme
Awards & Achievements
Resume
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Every Saturday, my parents would drive me 35 miles north to San Francisco to attend SFCM Pre-College. We have small chamber ensembles, musicianship classes, and private lessons, all on the same day. On top of that, there are a lot of masterclasses and performance opportunities available. Throughout the year, I have grown a lot, not just as a musician, but as a whole person. Check out our chamber ensemble's latest performance video!
Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics
Many people say that calculus lacks practicality in everyday scenarios. However, as I progressed to more advanced levels of mathematical coursework, I began to see an increase in relevance in the modern world, and the practical utility of calculus became increasingly apparent. The most memorable problem I remember is to determine the dimensions of a rectangular box situated within a sphere of radius 1 cm, while maximizing the box's volume. Despite the seemingly straightforward nature of the problem, it involves complicated mathematical concepts, such as the application of maxima and derivatives within the context of functions characterized by three variables. After many steps, we will reach the final answer of (1⁄√3, 1⁄√3, 1⁄√3), suggesting that the box is a cube with sides 1⁄√3 cm, thus, matching our intuition that the box will be a cube.
Henry M. Gunn High School
Chemistry is a difficult yet fun class for me. The ability to complete hands-on experiments in class deeply intrigues me and allows me to further understand how atoms and chemicals interact with each other in the world; even though sometimes we might encounter difficulties or get bad data, we look back to our procedures and solve problems together. This is literally the definition of perseverance!
Henry M. Gunn High School
Before setting foot on U.S. soil, if you even ask me who the first U.S. president was, I would have absolutely no idea. However, notwithstanding this dearth of information, learning the historical evolution of one of the contemporary world's superpowers from the ground up has proven to be very satisfying, especially when you comprehend historical events as a cohesive and complete storyline, as that can make me a better-informed world citizen.
Inspirit AI
From a state of complete novice to developing a fully operational object detection system for driverless vehicles, I have acquired specific knowledge spanning various facets of this sector, including but not limited to linear regression, logistic regression, sentiment classification, neural networks, convolutional neural networks, and YOLO (You Only Look Once). I also have had the privilege of learning with experienced instructors and mentors from renowned universities nationwide. Their guidance has been invaluable, allowing me to glean insights and wisdom from their extensive experience and refined perspectives.
C'est Bon Chamber Music Academy
It has been a very rewarding experience for me to immerse in a group of passionate young musicians and professional mentors. Collaborating with fellow campers in group rehearsals and performances highlighted the beauty of harmony and the importance of musical techniques. We also performed Beethoven's Piano Trio Op. 1 No. 1 in Eb Major (IV. Finale. Presto) at the final student concert.
Henry M. Gunn High School
I have learned the fundamentals of Java programming and how to analyze and solve problems using computational thinking. I was also exposed to new computer science concepts, such as Big O notation, order of growth, and sorting algorithms.
City University of Hong Kong
During this program, I was exposed to a range of real-world scenarios through the various workshops and seminars and was able to learn from industry experts about the importance of entrepreneurship. Their insights inspired me to think more critically about the potential applications of the knowledge and skills that I have gained.
The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education
Learning entirely new mathematical concepts such as complex numbers and coordinate geometry feels like unlocking parts of the fascinating world of mathematics. It broadens my understanding of abstract algebraic structures and spatial relationships, providing me with a deeper insight into the interconnectedness of various mathematical ideas.
UCode
Throughout the course, I learned how to create games using Python libraries such as Pygame, with graphics, sound, and user input. The course covers essential concepts such as game loops, collision detection, object-oriented programming, and more. Our teacher also gave us the opportunity to develop our own games by applying what we have learned. It is such a fun and engaging learning experience.
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
Throughout this course, I gained a comprehensive understanding of JavaScript, including its data types, control flow constructs, built-in features, and object-oriented programming concepts such as classes and objects. I also applied this knowledge by integrating my existing expertise in HTML and CSS. Moreover, I delved into the use of a popular JavaScript library known as jQuery, acquiring an in-depth understanding of its functionalities and how it can be leveraged to develop dynamic and interactive web applications.
UCode, Cornell University, Carnegie Mellon University, Fudan University
Throughout the two-week program at school, I gained hands-on experience in designing, building, and programming robots using advanced technologies such as microcontrollers and sensors. This program also significantly emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and I was able to work closely with other students to solve complex challenges.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Center for the Development of the Gifted and Talented
This course covered a wide range of topics, including basic syntax, data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming principles. I was also able to explore more advanced topics such as web scraping, data visualization, and machine learning. It has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to become proficient in Python programming.
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
In this course, I have expanded my knowledge in the field of web design, specifically in the visual aspects. I have gained expertise in creating responsive web designs and developing interactive web elements, which enhance user engagement and create a more dynamic browsing experience. My proficiency in these areas has enabled me to produce visually appealing and user-friendly web designs that meet the needs of modern users.
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Being able to participate in SFSYO is truly one of the most transformative moments in my life. Every time I walk into and play in Davies Symphony Hall, I am filled with a sense of awe and gratitude. The sheer grandeur of the hall, with its ornate architecture and acoustics, continues to amaze me even today. I have not only grown as a musician through learning new repertoires but also as a person by learning the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. I also feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of such a group of talented and enthusiastic musicians.
Gunn Instrumental Music
I am super honored to be part of this ensemble group at school. Everyone is super passionate about making music together, and being able to work with my peers is super fun as well. We get to explore and play a wide variety of repertoire during the year. This year in particular, we went to New York City to compete in the 2024 National Orchestra Cup, where we are awarded Grand Champions for the competition. On top of that, with the opportunity to perform solo excerpts with the orchestra, I have earned the Best High String Soloist award. I am super grateful for the experience I had in Chamber Orchestra, as well as the mentorship and the support Ms Ou-Ponticelli and Ms Lewis provides me with!
Redwood City Public Library
Every Sunday, I witnessed young kids' enthusiasm and creativity flourish as they learned coding fundamentals by programming robots and building LEGOs. We provided individual support and created a supportive environment for the children to grow, try, and learn. Moreover, explaining seemingly simple concepts to children significantly improved my communication and problem-solving skills as well.
OpenBrackets
Inspired to bridge the digital divide in our community, we provide support in computer science to middle and high school kids who may not receive it at home, and encourage kids consider tech as a career, regardless of their background. As an instructor, I fully designed a cirriculum for 6-12 years old to learn Python in a fun and rewarding way, all while mastering the basics of programming in Python.
California Orchestra Directors Association
I had the immense privilege of being selected to join the All-State Symphony Orchestra, which convened in Fresno this year. This three-day program provided an incredibly immersive experience, allowing me to collaborate and rehearse with fellow accomplished musicians and esteemed professors. Participating in a professional orchestra for the first time was a truly remarkable opportunity.
Redwood City Public Library
Throughout the year, I am responsible for keeping books in proper Dewey and/or alphabetical order on designated shelves. I also sometimes pull library materials from shelves using a list of customer hold requests. It has been a very rewarding experience overall.
Henry M. Gunn High School
I am responsible for keeping track of the club's meetings, events, and activities. I worked closely with the club president and other members to plan and organize events that raised awareness about human rights issues and advocated for social justice.
Gunn Instrumental Music
Being part of my school's string orchestra was an incredible journey of personal and musical growth. Musically, it pushed me to refine my skills and take on leadership responsibilities, while socially, it allowed me to connect with fellow musicians on a deeper level. I also got to play in a small ensemble group, allowing me to work on my chamber music skills. One of the highlights of my time as concertmaster was our SoCal tour, which included a performance in Los Angeles and ultimately a trip to Disneyland. It was such an unforgettable experience!
Henry M. Gunn High School
I have had some debate experience since primary school, but parliamentary debate is a whole new world for me. Being unfluent in English and completely unfamiliar with English debating techniques, I took on the challenge, practiced every Wednesday after school, and eventually participated some competitions to try our luck. Me and my partner surprisingly reached JV semifinals in both 37th Annual Stanford Invitational and Cal Parli Invitational 2022. Huge thanks to the team captains for assisting me throughout the journey!
La Salle College Library Board
My primary role was to oversee the library's technological infrastructure and I was responsible for managing and maintaining the library's hardware and software, as well as implementing new technologies to improve the library's operations and services. I had worked closely with the library committee team and developed an automatic clock-in system for school librarians, resulting in a significant improvement in our efficiency in recording attendance.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
I'm honoured to be invited with 9 other LSC students to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and work with the service learning team and other PolyU students and build solar panels for underprivileged communities in Rwanda. Throughout the program, we've built components of solar panels from scratch, from connecting copper wires, soldering, drilling, and many more.
YMCA of Hong Kong
Partnered with YMCA of Hong Kong, La Salle College and La Salle Primary School students together gave a second chance to donated toys to put a smile on the faces of the underprivileged children.
Feeding Hong Kong
We have rolled up their sleeves and prepared close to 3 tonnes of food for the communities in need. During the process, we help sort and repack food at our warehouse. We went home very satisfied knowing their work will warm many families.
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Alliance Primary School, Kowloon Tong
Alliance Primary School, Kowloon Tong
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Alliance Primary School, Kowloon Tong
Performances
