MARION - A Marion boy's ability to move people with his music will soon land him more than 7,000 miles away from home and with some of the world's top musicians.

Spencer Sharp, 11, is a small-framed boy with a soft, polite way of speaking. His music, however, is intense and powerful.

Playing some of the most well-known musical compositions, including Felix Mendelssohn's Concerto in E minor, Sharp stands with bow in action for nearly 30 minutes, playing each bar by memory.

Spencer's mother, Lynette Sharp, accompanies him, playing the piano as he travels and plays around the country. Her love for piano quite possibly prompted his interest in violin.

"Well, my mom always wanted me to do something different," he said. "I've always really enjoyed it (violin)."

Spencer said he began playing when he was about 5 and immediately showed advanced skill.

Lynette signed him up for lessons with a professional violinist in Cincinnati where he still studies. Through his schooling there, Spencer learned of the opportunity to audition for a board that would choose 40 people from three continents to play in Beijing as part of the Great Wall International Music Academy.

Spencer jumped at the chance.

Shortly after auditioning, he found out he had been chosen and was not only going to China but would be the youngest person allowed. His fellow musicians were 18 years old, at the youngest.

"It's pretty exciting," he said.

Spencer said he doesn't mind having less experience or being the youngest among the players, although he is not boastful.

"It just feels natural to me," he says.

"He just fits right in," his mother said with a smile.

Lynette and Spencer leave Friday for the three-week stay, which will include lots of practice time with violin teachers from abroad, many speaking other languages and requiring translation for students.

Lynette said a little sight-seeing will also be in order.

"The auditoriums are so big you can't see the back," Spencer said with a big smile.

Spencer said he's already living his career dream. He wants to be a traveling violin soloist. Having already played in several states, homeschooling has allowed him to get an early start on a big dream.

"I just really enjoy it," he said. "It's fun for me. I like to play the violin any chance I can get."

tara.fasol@thesouthern.com

618-351-5824