We have several students throughout our ensembles who travel quite a distance to get to rehearsal each week. Here is one such student from our string section!
Max Lozier, double bass
Rutland High
VT Youth Orchestra – 3 years
What do you love about being in an orchestra?
The thing I love most about performing in an orchestral group is communicating through my instrument. Regardless of skill or musical capabilities, the possibility of musical expression is endless. I especially love playing in multiple groups with younger and older musicians who all have diverse sounds, with equally diverse representations of what the music means to them.
What has been your biggest musical breakthrough?
My biggest break through in music was trying out for Allstate’s my freshmen year. Up until that point I was known as an athlete rather than a musician and it was almost embarrassing to be a part of my schools orchestra. Freshmen year I was the 5th bassist in districts and I almost wanted to quit. But I realized why do something different or “embarrassing” if I’m going to be bad at it. So, I worked with a bassist named Ben Greene on my audition piece. And come time for the audition I won the principal spot. At this festival I was introduced to members of the VYO staff and auditioned for the next season.
What role has the VYOA played in your musical career?
The VYOA’s role in my musical career has been to teach me the necessary skills I need to be a musician. These skills include being able to meet new people and work in a focused environment for a long period of time.
What advice would you give to younger music students as they strive to build their skills?
My advice to young music students is to say yes to every single opportunity you get. If you are serious about music, an extremely important part of becoming a professional musician is the people you know. So by branching out and meeting more people you will have a better chance at knowing a powerful person in the musical world. And if you love performing music then you’ll have fun while doing it.
What would you like to change in the orchestral world?
I would like to change the accessibility of classic music to the average person. I know a lot of people who love classical music but can’t afford to travel or pay for a ticket. There should be a stronger effort to make classical music events cheaper or more localized.
What has been your most inspiring or memorable musical experience?
My most inspiring musical experience was playing in the All-Honors National Orchestra Festival at Disney last November. I flew to Florida and played Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, and a student composition. I met truly the most talented high school musicians in the country and they were all so kind and interested in each other’s story. Just sitting on the edge of the stage playing my bass and listening to the pure genius the group produced was sublime. I inspire to make it into an orchestra where I can have this same experience on a regular basis.
What is your favorite VYOA memory?
My favorite memory has been the VYO’s journey of Tchaikovsky 5. I am extremely excited to finish my VYO career with such a powerful piece.
Apart from orchestral/choral music, what other kind of music do you love?
I love Nirvana and Metallica, I grew up listening to both bands with my dad. I especially like the grunginess of Nirvana’s sound, they were revolutionary and would still be to this day.
If you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would like to collaborate with the band PHISH. They have such an incredible fan base and great traditions I would love to be a part of.
What other activities do you participate in?
I used to play football and basketball but music has in a good way, completely taken over my life. I play in community orchestras, the green mountain Mahler festival, jazz groups, pit bands for theatre groups, and often try to volunteer for younger Rutland Musicians as much as possible. But when I’m not playing bass I’m usually playing pick-up basketball with friends.
If you already know, what college or university do you plan to attend next year?
I’m not sure yet, I’m still in the auditioning progress. I would like to move to a city however to have more opportunities.
What do you plan to study in college?
I plan to study double bass performance as well as music education.
Avi Bauer, percussion
