Amelia Vinson, a rising junior at Drew Charter School, is in her second year of harp. She is a member of the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble and is very dedicated to her instrument and newfound love for music. Amelia participated in the GMEA Spring 2024 Solo and Ensemble Performance Contest as a Freshman and received a superior rating on her performance of “Flying South” by Kathryn Cater. The following year, she received another superior rating for her performance of "Sakura," which is a traditional Japanese folk song. She is known for playing pieces in major keys and is a proud fan of Kathryn Cater, a renowned harpist known for her beginner to intermediate arrangements. Outside of music, she spends her time playing volleyball, reading, drawing, and spending time outdoors. She hopes to either pursue a career in environmentalism, as she is actively involved in nature-based community service projects, or one working with children. She has been babysitting since she was 12 and has many devoted clients, as well as volunteering many times at children's camps including one with Kate's Club, a nonprofit for children and families who have experienced serious loss. In her pursuit of art, Amelia was recognized as one of the winners of the LIDL Grocery Bag competition. Her design was sold at Atlanta grocery stores with the proceeds going to the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the East Lake Healthy Connections program at the East Lake Family YMCA.

Hinoki Wood by Gia Margaret is a quiet instrumental piece built on simple piano and ambient sound. The music moves slowly, giving each part space. It became popular as a TikTok sound, which first caught my attention because it was beautiful and peaceful. The piece is named after the hinoki tree, and like the wood, it feels natural and carefully made.

This was my freshman year harp solo which I also performed for the GMEA Spring 2024 Solo and Ensemble Performance Contest. My piece, titled "Flying South," is by none other than Kathryn Cater, who was a harpist and composer that paved the way for beginner and intermediate harpists. This specific book, titled Soaring Strings, was composed to reflect the sounds of birds. In this piece, the intention is for the listener to imagine a bird soaring, picking up pace, slowing, and landing. This is reflected in the piece's dynamics, which include pianissimo up to mezzo forte, down and back again. There are 10 dynamic changes in this piece, each corresponding to the melody played by the left hand. All in all, this piece encapsulates the feeling of "soaring," and is beautifully composed by Kathryn Cater.