Senior Spotlight 2019!

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Madeline Daly, cello
Mount Mansfield Union

VT Youth Orchestra – 1 year
VT Youth Philharmonia – 2 years
VT Youth Strings – 2 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maya Parry, horn
Mount Mansfield Union

VT Youth Orchestra – 2 years
VT Youth Philharmonia – 2 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Daly: I didn’t really consider playing any other instrument than the cello. It is just such a musically versatile instrument. From trad to pop to classical, you can always catch the cello holding down the bass line, or hoping out to steal the melody. I also enjoy how it can be played with literally any other instrument and it will sound good. It makes jam sessions very convenient.

Parry: I used to play trumpet but in 7th grade, my band teacher told me I looked like a horn player and gave me a horn to take home over the summer. I instantly fell in love with the sound and I felt like I had found my voice.

What do you enjoy most about playing in an orchestra?

Parry: I love the community, the music, and the blending of voices.

Daly: I love being in the music I’m playing. It’s one thing to sit at home and just hear yourself, but to sit in the middle of a bunch of notes, rhythms, harmonies, and instruments is magical.

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

Daly: Play with friends. Join interesting music groups. Do something other than play by yourself. You learn so much more by going out of your musical comfort zone, and you can meet some cool people. You will be surprised at how much your musicality improves.

Parry: Practice! But practice a variety of things. Yes, long tones and scales are important and will make you into a better player, but if you only practice tiresome things, you’ll loathe practicing. Get a book of pop songs! Have some fun! Return to pieces or excerpts you loved. Play to make yourself happy, not just to get better.

What is your favorite VYOA memory?

Parry: The talent show during Reveille [the season kick-off rehearsals for VYO and VYP]. Whether it was amazing singing, solo piano, cello duets, mad-libs, or kazooing the National Anthem, there was always something exciting and new.

If you know, what do you plan to study in college?

Daly: Digital Media and Film Production