The violin has taken Mangerton's Aika Hammond on many journeys.
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This week it was to the Wollongong Eisteddfod where the 14-year-old performed Handel's Sonata in A Major (1st movement) at the Wesley Church On The Mall in front of adjudicator Dr Sohyun Eastham.
Aika has also travelled with the BlueScope Youth Orchestra to perform in Victoria and NSW's Riverina district. She is planning to travel with the orchestra next year to Europe.
The year 9 Illawarra Grammar School student also performs in a string ensemble and orchestra at school.
Aika has been learning the instrument for seven years with teacher Maya Kitagawa. She also learns piano with teacher Georgina Hoyle.
"Playing the violin is calming and it's fun," she said.
"I've also been able to participate in and enjoy a lot of opportunities because I play a musical instrument.
"It's definitely something I want to be an ongoing part of my life," she said.
Wollongong Eisteddfod's strings sections continue on Friday at the Wesley Church, culminating in the afternoon's BlueScope WIN Junior Strings Championship Solo with 11 competitors.