Teenage Hill violinist becomes NPR reporter

by PAMELA ROGOW

Caeli Smith is saving for a new violin. Which is why you may occasionally see the 13-year-old “busking” — opening her instrument case and playing for donations — on Germantown Avenue or Rittenhouse Square.

But now the young musician from Chestnut Hill has landed a steadier gig, not to mention the opportunity to see the country and try radio commentary.

Caeli has been selected as the new “Roving Reporter” for National Public Radio’s From the Top. The Saturday afternoon show on WRTI (90.1 FM) is a delightful mix of zany humor, quirky interviews and prodigy performances. Hosted by Christopher Riley, From the Top is hosted at venues around the country … and overseas too, if Caeli’s luck holds out.

The show is produced in association with WBGH Radio Boston and the New England Conservatory of Music and is nationally broadcast. It’s not a stretch to say that it succeeds in its stated goal, to give young classical musicians a platform to express themselves and inspire others. It’s also an enjoyable listening experience for adults.

Beginning with the Oct. 2 show this year, Caeli will be heard asking questions of kids who range from about nine years old to 18, and offering commentary. Much of Caeli’s work will be scripted, but not all.

The upcoming year will find her and her chaperone, mom Karen Rile, at 10 or 12 performance halls around the country. Ft. Myers, Carmel, Austin, Palo Alto, Chicago, New York and Boston are on the agenda. Have mom, will travel. Fortunately, Caeli’s school, Project Learn, has found ways to flex with her unique schedule.

Caeli competed for this job after hearing on the show that “long-time” roving reporter Hayley Golbach would be retiring as she starts college. Auditions for her replacement were held at the Shenandoah Music Conservatory, scripts were read, music played. In the end, Caeli came up like calla lilies.

One of four musical daughters of Larry Smith and Karen Rile, Caeli is the one who can wax rhapsodic about the E string — “especially in unaccompanied Bach. It’s the highest string, the most high-pitched. It’s the most brassy sound but it’s also pure. … I like the vibrato … it’s juicy,” she explains.

Caeli has played the violin since she was three, and studied with Lee Snyder of Huntington Valley for the past seven years at the Settlement Music School.

For more information, check out the show’s Web site www.Fromthetop.org, which includes a variety of resources and activities for young people interested in classical music. Or listen in on Saturdays to WRTI from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.