From the first moment I picked up my violin in 6th grade (albeit in a completely incorrect manner), I knew I was going to love the instrument. I learned rather quickly, and my teacher, Liz, soon encouraged me to audition for WYSO. After 7 months on the violin, I was accepted as a first violinist in Sinfonietta. Thus began my WYSO journey.
WYSO is such a special organization – nowhere else would I have found the opportunity to collaborate with peers and mentors in such a musically gifted and focused environment. From performing in the 50th Anniversary Concert in Sinfonietta (and even getting a close-up shot on TV playing piano for one of the pieces!), to connecting with fellow musicians during the Minnesota trip in Phil, to exploring music in a whole new culture during the Peru trip in Youth, WYSO has given me such wonderful opportunities to make friends and discover music’s impact on society. During a time of grief and loss this school year, nothing was better than being able to attend WYSO rehearsals in-person and make music again.
This fall, I will be studying Applied Math and Music at Dartmouth College and auditioning for the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra. I know that all I have learned through the many rehearsals and concerts of WYSO will help me throughout my musical endeavors. A huge thanks to everyone who helped me in my 6-year WYSO career – I will forever cherish the memories we made together!