Class of 2020 Senior Spotlight!

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Emma Chadwick, violin
Essex High

 

VT Youth Orchestra – 3 years
VT Youth Philharmonia – 3 years
VT Youth Sinfonia – 1 year
VT Youth Strings – 2 years
Presto – 4 sessions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did you choose your instrument over all of the others?

I started the violin because my older sister played it. I have continued to stick with it because of the amount of intricacy and detail that you can put into practicing. It is a great musical outlet.

 

What role does music play in your life?

Music is a large part of my life. Orchestra has allowed me to not only grow as a musician but has let me meet so many new people. Opportunities like the international tour and All-States wouldn’t have happened without music. Music is a large part of my personal life as well: bonding with friends, to be able to create, and just enjoying music.

 

What do you enjoy most about playing in an orchestra?

I mainly like hanging out with the people at orchestra but when I’m not on break, I like hearing about the history and intentions of the composer. Without lyrics, purpose can be hard to distinguish, so background helps me connect with the music and enjoy its emotional depth.

 

What advice would you give to younger music students as they strive to build their skills?

Find a way to enjoy the music that you are playing. Play songs that you like to listen to, learn about the intent behind the music, or talk about your favorite music with friends. At the end of the day, music is what you make of it. Having a passion for music in any form makes practicing and the long rehearsals worth it.

 

What is your favorite VYOA memory?

One of my favorite moments was playing the Schubert’s Unfinished  Symphony for the last time on the Spain/Portugal tour. That trip was an amazing experience with many fun memories, but playing this beautiful piece with that group and conductor for the last time was very heartwarming and bittersweet.

 

Apart from orchestral music, what other kinds of music do you listen to? Do other genres influence what you hear in orchestral music?

I listen to mainly indie and bedroom pop music. While I enjoy a very wide range of music, I love the sound, lyrics, and distinct mood of this genre. Orchestral music has created a strong appreciation in me for the little details that artists put into their works that make something beautiful. Whether it be a harmony line or a special drum beat, it adds so much fun and intention to the song.

 

What college or university do you hope to attend next year?

MIT

 

What do you plan to study in college and how did you make your choice?

Aerospace Engineering

 

Congratulations Emma! It has been delightful to watch you grow up over the past 10 years & we can’t wait to see what amazing things your future holds!

Class of 2020 Senior Spotlight!

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Adison Granger, cello
Winooski High

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did you choose your instrument over all of the others?

In the fifth grade, we were given the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument. Most people were choosing the violin, but I personally enjoyed the sound of the cello.

 

What was your biggest musical challenge & how did you overcome it?

As a full-time early college student, it is very difficult to find the time to practice. However, I make sure to get my homework done as soon as possible so I am able to get in at least twenty minutes of practice time.

 

What advice would you give to younger music students as they strive to build their skills?

Enjoy the instrument that you are playing and be sure to get private lessons early on.

 

What is your favorite VYOA memory?

I have always enjoyed participating in the school tours. I love seeing the faces on all the young children when they recognize a song that they enjoy or when they show their enthusiasm for wanting to learn a new instrument.

 

Apart from orchestral music, what other kinds of music do you listen to? Do other genres influence what you hear in orchestral music?

I listen to anything and everything, but some of my favorite genres are death metal, funk, hardcore punk, progressive rock, new wave, and synthpop. Being able to appreciate all kinds of music allows you to expand your horizons and better yourself as a musician.

 

What other activities do you participate in?

For the past few years, I have participated in Upward Bound. It is a program for first-generation college students to help provide us with the knowledge and experience we need to prepare for college.

 

What college or university do you hope to attend next year?

Saint Michael’s College

 

What do you plan to study in college and how did you make your choice?

I plan on majoring in computer information systems and minoring in music. Through Upward Bound, I was given the opportunity to participate in a class called Teaching Through Technology. This is where I realized that I enjoy working with computers. I am currently taking an intro to computer science class at the Community College of Vermont.

 

Congratulations Adison! You have been a wonderful mentor to our younger string students and we will miss your generous spirit.