VYOA Senior Spotlight!
Meet two of the members of VYO’s percussion section in this week’s Senior Spotlight!
Alex He, percussion
Essex High
VT Youth Orchestra – 1 year
VT Youth Philharmonia – 3 years
VT Youth Sinfonia – 1 year
VT Youth Winds – 1 year
Nick Mantegna, percussion
Vermont Commons
VT Youth Orchestra – 3 years
VT Youth Philharmonia – 2 years
VT Youth Winds – 2 years
What do you love about being in an orchestra?
He: The diversity in sound that comes with the orchestra is really amazing. And then when all the sections come together to form a coherent sound, it’s really cool to be a part of that.
What advice would you give to younger music students as they strive to build their skills?
Mantegna: I would tell younger musicians to try and find a section or technique of music they enjoy. Once they find it, keep working at it and find ways to make it part of yourself.
He: Persistence is important and all, but enjoying the music is probably the most important.
What has been your most inspiring or memorable musical experience?
Mantegna: My trip to Iceland is my most memorable experience I had with the VYOA.
Apart from orchestral music, what other kind of music do you love?
Mantegna: I love listening to music that is similar to the artist Odesza. I also like alternative and electronic genres.
He: Swedish Death Metal
If you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and why?
He: Beethoven, as he was deaf, so he wouldn’t be able hear all the mistakes I make.
What other activities do you participate in?
Mantegna: I am an avid downhill and backcountry skier. I also am a proud Ultimate Frisbee player.
What do you plan to study in college?
Mantegna: I plan to probably study snow science or environmental science/studies in college.
He: Economics with a math focus at Northwestern University
