VYO Senior Spotlight!
It’s that time of year when we prepare to send our seniors off on their next great adventure! In celebration of the Class of 2018 we begin our Senior Spotlight series, highlighting different students each week. This is a chance to hear, in their own words, what music means to them and what they plan to do next.
Lark Thompson, violin
Lake Champlain Waldorf School
Joined VYOA in 2011
VYOrchestra – 2 years
VYPhilharmonia – 2 years
VYSinfonia – 1 year
VYStrings – 2 years
Camille Gunter, trombone
BFA St. Albans
Joined VYOA in 2014
VYOrchestra – 1 year
VYPhilharmonia – 2 years
VYSinfonia – ½ year
What do you love about being in an orchestra?
Gunter: Being in an orchestra gives me a sense of community and connects me to my peers in a unique way. Working toward a collective musical goal creates bonds between orchestra members, and I feel connected to my fellow VYOA members in a way which I have not experienced with non-musicians. I love being in an orchestra because it expands my perspectives. I realize it is important to listen to my fellow musicians in musical and non-musical contexts, which helps me to collaborate with others in all aspects of my life.
What role has the VYOA played in your musical career?
Thompson: I started playing violin in second grade, and by the time I was in fifth I was a member of the organization. It’s been a huge part of my life since then and has given me the opportunity to explore many different composers and pieces of music.
What is your favorite VYOA memory?
Thompson: One of my favorite VYOA events is always the OrchestraChorusPalooza Concert. For many years, my best friends have come to watch the concert and it has become a tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season.
Gunter: I first joined the VYOA after a midseason audition in 7th grade, and I went into it nervous and not knowing anyone. Two girls approached me and instantly became my friends. From that moment on, I have felt like a part of the family that is the VYOA. I have had unforgettable experiences growing up with these musicians, and creating friendships that will continue far beyond our time with the VYOA.
If you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Gunter: I would collaborate with Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. He revolutionized modern music and his innovations changed the way music studios are used forever. He created Pet Sounds and SMiLE, my two favorite albums.
What other activities do you participate in?
Thompson: I take part in sports at school such as basketball, and recently have been enjoying volunteering with hospice. I also spend a lot of time babysitting and have deep connections with many kids. In the summer, I work at a children’s camp in DC. My work with kids has extended in the last two years to teaching a ten year old girl violin.
What do you plan to study in college?
Gunter: I plan to study Music Education.
Thompson: I have many interests, including architecture and studio arts, two things that have been nurtured by my Waldorf education. I also have always been attracted to the idea of working in the social sciences.
