When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

4th Grade, Memorial Middle School

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

I was inspired by other violinists and wanted to play it myself.

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? Idylls of Pegasus 

What is your best orchestra memory? Senior year UND Honors orchestra

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

Don’t worry about being perfect on your first play through.

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community?

National Honors Society, Varsity Cheerleading, Acalympics, Science Club

What are your plans after high school? Attend school on the East Coast and double major in statistics and criminal law. I plan to keep playing.

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

4th grade at Dakota Elementary

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

Couldn't afford a violin at the time which is what I originally wanted to play so I rented out a viola instead and fell in love 

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Waltz No. 2 by Shostakovich 

What is your best orchestra memory? 

One year my mom couldn't afford to rent the instrument for orchestra so my orchestra teacher mrs hepper paid it for me to keep me in orchestra 

Do you have an interesting instrument story? One year in orchestra this guy was putting his stand on the stand rack while I was walking by and he let it go and it flew and hit my viola breaking it after my mom had just bought it but he paid to get it fixed.

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

Learn notes early on! I didn't learn to read notes till freshman year and it made me feel behind and struggle

What are your plans after high school? 

Im going to UND for criminal law and I hope to continue playing while there

What other activities are you involved with at MHS or in the community?

I’m in Med Careers

When & where did you start playing orchestra?  

Edison Elementary with Mr. Rasch

Why did you pick the instrument you play?

My father and I went to pick instruments in 4th grade at MCC and we picked the viola because my father didn’t want to listen to a fourth grader learn how to play violin (the high screeches 😭).

What is your favorite piece you’ve ever played? 

M to the 3rd Power by Carold Nuñez

What is your best orchestra memory? Hanging out in the room we were waiting in with everyone during last years WDA.

Do you have an interesting instrument story? 

I was playing the Pirates of the Caribbean song and my string broke and almost snapped me in the face. It was so scary. 

What is one piece of advice for beginner musicians? 

No matter how bad you think you sound have your teachers listen to you. They will always be willing to help you better yourself in music. (Also be nice to your instrument)

What are your plans after high school? I will be double majoring in Art Education and Music Performance at Minot State University. I plan to continue playing viola in the symphony. 

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community? I’m in Band, Choir (in school), Western Plains Children’s Choir, 18th Century Orchestra, private lessons with Dr. Rolandson (trombone) and Mrs. Drummelsmith (Viola) and Miss Gabby (Voice and piano), and I also sing in my church’s choir, among other things.

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

2016 at John Hoeven Elementary

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

It was the smallest instrument and I thought it would be easier to carry. 

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Storm the Gates by Alan Lee Silva

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Going to IMC my freshman year. It was a great experience, getting to immerse myself in music for a week. It was where I met many great musicians from around ND who are still my friends to this day. 

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

You'll play your best when you can find joy in what you are playing. 

What are your plans after high school? 

I plan to go to MIT to study Chemical Engineering, I plan to keep playing in college, joining chamber groups in my school and community. 

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community? 

Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, StuCo, DECA, FBLA, HOSA, TSA, Acalympics, Envirothon, Spanish Club, Greener Tomorrow

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

I started playing in 4th grade at Lewis and Clark.

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

I think it sounded the prettiest.

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Rosin Eating Zombies 

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Going to Florida with the orchestra.

Do you have an interesting instrument story? 

I left my instrument at the wrong school once.

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

Have fun with the music!

What are your plans after high school? 

I plan to attend MSU majoring in Finance.

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community? 

I participate in golf, track and field, national honor society, and fellowship of christian athletes.

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

Washington Elementary after 3rd grade

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

I thought it sounded the best 

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

At the moment, Primrose Hill

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Orlando Trip 

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

Learn from hard things, dont give up!

What are your plans after high school? 

I plan to go into civil engineering and currently I am going to be going to University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. 

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community? 

Many including TSA, FBLA, Keyclub, NHS, NTHS, Robotics, Spanish club, 18th century, etc

When & where did you start playing orchestra?  

Lewis and Clark Elementary, 2017

Why did you pick the instrument you play?

I didn't want to play violin.

What is your favorite piece you’ve ever played? 

Frost on the Plow

What is your best orchestra memory? WDA Ensemble

What is one piece of advice for beginner musicians? 

Practice a lot at the beginning, even if your parents don't want to hear you do it.

What are your plans after high school? I plan to go to Minot State to major in finance and may continue to play viola at MSU.

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community? National Honor Society, band, choir, men's choir

When & where did you start playing orchestra?  

I started playing violin during 4th grade at Lewis and Clark Elementary school.

Why did you pick the instrument you play?

My oldest sister, Madison played violin at the time, and it was wayyyy easier to haul around than cello. Which I have first hand experience of since my other sister Hannah had to haul it around.

What is your favorite piece you’ve ever played? 

Either the hobbit songs, Pink Panther, or Fiddlers stew.

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Going to Florida with my best friends!

What is one piece of advice for beginner musicians? 

If you are unsure how to read music, learn it. I was never taught how to read music by my elementary teacher so I had to teach myself later on, learn right away.

What are your plans after high school? 

I plan on attending Minot State University first year to major in biology. Currently, I intend on either going into Pre-dental or dental hygiene.

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community? 

Science Olympiad, girls track and field, Sources of Strength, and Key Club!

When & where did you start playing orchestra?  

Washington Elementary School, 4th grade

Why did you pick the instrument you play?

I had joined late and was the only instrument left, I ended up falling in love with it.

What is your favorite piece you’ve ever played? 

Divertimento 

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Playing my music on solo day when I was in middle school and elementary school 

What is one piece of advice for beginner musicians? 

Make sure to not get into a bad bow hold habit

What are your plans after high school? 

I will be attending lehigh university majoring in mechanical engineering. Yes I plan to keep playing 

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community? 

Student council, Minot north robotics, TSA, Magi Swimming

When & where did you start playing orchestra?  

4th Grade, Parker Elementary

Why did you pick the instrument you play?

My mom said I couldn’t play the bass

What is your favorite piece you’ve ever played? 

Rosin Eating Zombies

When and where did you start playing orchestra? 

4th grade at Perkett Elementary School

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

I was interested in learning how to play the violin.

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Idylls of Pegasus by R. Meyer

What is your best orchestra memory? 

I loved going on the Disney trip with my friends. I loved going on rides, especially the Pirates of the Caribbean.

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

The only way to get better is practice.

What are your plans after high school? 

I'm going to University of Mary for nursing. I won't join their orchestra but I will continue playing for fun.

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community? 

National Honor Society and help teach kindergarten and first graders religion at my church

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

Perkett Elementary in 4th grade

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

It’s range 

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Idylls of Pegasus 

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Slow air and jig somehow managing to star at WDA

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

Stick with it!

What are your plans after high school? 

I’m going to NDSU to study civil engineering, I will try and play if I can find time 

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community?

18th century, trap shooting, drumline, National Honor Society, jazz band, and concert band

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

4th Grade at John Hoeven

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

After trying out the different instruments, I fell in love with the cello

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Pirates of the Carribean

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Stringfest

Do you have an interesting instrument story?

Played my instrument standing up at my great grandfather's grave

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

PRACTICE

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community? Western Plains Youth Ensemble 

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

In fifth grade at Edison elementary 

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

My sister played it and then I started. Though she stopped a little after I joined, but I grew to really enjoy playing. 

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Pirates of the Caribbean

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Going to WDA 

Do you have an interesting instrument story?

My bow strings breaking off at the top all at once 

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

Take your time no need to rush 

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

Second semester in 5th grade.

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

I always wanted to play the violin when I was little. I remember reading a picture book and I saw the lady playing the violin and really wanted to start playing.

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Revenge of the Red Pepper

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Florida trip with friends 

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

You might just think you're learning your instrument but it can help you with other musical needs like choir, or learning another instrument.

What are your plans next year? 

I plan on attending MSU next year going into Finance

What other activities are you involved with at school and the communityr?

Volleyball, Track, SOS, Student Council, FCA

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

August 2017

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

I really love the low notes while playing the cello, and doing the dynamics.

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Waltz No. 2 by Shostakovich

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Every Chuck Full of Music concerts

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

Practicing will do the trick for you

What are your plans next year? 

Going to Minot State University for Psychology

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

Perkett Elementary 4th Grade

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

I really liked the beautiful sounds it made when played correctly.

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Tango 

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Feeling proud of myself and others after each concert.

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

Ask for help with reading the notes if you need it.

What are your plans next year? 

I plan to become a tattoo artist.

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

4th grade at Washington elementary 

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

Because I had read that it was the string instrument with the largest range

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Pirates of the Caribbean

What is your best orchestra memory? 

definitely the florida trip 

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

DO THE BOWHOLD, TRUST ME IT'S WAY HARDER TO LEARN LATER ON

What other activities are you involved with at school and the community?  

theater, band, gsa, esports

What are your plans next year? 

Going into college to get at least a minor in music

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

4th grade at Washington elementary 

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

It looked cool

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Samson and Delilah

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Starbursts in elementary school, we'd hoard them in our violin cases. 

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

it looks easier than it is.

What other activities are you involved with at school and the community?  

18th Century

What are your plans next year? 

Nursing school at MSU

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

8 years ago in the 4th grade at Edison elementary 

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

They wouldn't let me play bass and I kinda stuck with it

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

Pirates of the Caribbean 

What is your best orchestra memory? 

I loved going to orchestra festival of freshman year. 

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

Get practice outside of school whether its with a tutor or practicing by yourself

What are your plans next year? 

I plan to head to und to get my pilot license and I plan to play some more when I get there

When & where did you start playing orchestra?

4th grade at Longfellow Elementary

Why did you pick the instrument you play?

My older sister played it and I thought it had the prettiest sound.

What is your favorite piece you’ve ever played?

Idylls of Pegasus or the Hobbit

What is your best orchestra memory?

Taj forgetting his music on stage at a concert and never being able to live it down.

What is one piece of advice for beginner musicians? 

Don’t worry about how good or nervous you are about playing, if you love it then enjoy it!

What are your plans after high school? Do you plan on continuing to play music?

I plan to go to Bozeman and attend Montana State University. Although I’m not pursuing music i’m sure I will always continue to play occasionally.

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community? NHS, Student Council, Track & Field, Volleyball

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

I started playing the violin during the summer after 3rd grade at a summer camp that Minot High hosted.

Why did you pick the instrument you play? 

I liked how the violin sounded with the E string and how easy it was to transport.

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

My favorite piece that I have ever played is Idylls of Pegasus.

What is your best orchestra memory?

My favorite orchestra memory was playing in Florida and exploring Florida with all of my friends, especially the beach!

Do you have an interesting instrument story?

Back in elementary school, we would receive candy for every time we practiced. Instead of eating it right away, I collected the candy and was in a competition with another student to see who could collect the most candy. At one point, I think I had over 20 pieces of candy in my violin case. 

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

My piece of advice is to not feel intimidated by all the new concepts and to give yourself some grace for making mistakes. Also, don't be afraid to audition for festivals like UND.

What other activities are you involved with at school and the community?  

-18th Century, Key Club, Student Council, Spanish Club, Spanish Honor Society, Honor Society, Greener Tomorrow, Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, Acalympics, FBLA, Girls Golf, Senior Class 

What are your plans after high school? 

After high school, I will attend the University of North Dakota to pursue chemical engineering. Although I do not plan on playing in college, I will continue to play the violin in my free time.

When and where did you start playing orchestra?  

I started playing the violin in 4th grade, but I stopped in 6th grade in favor of band. Luckily, Ms. Moen convinced me to join orchestra again with the cello! I learned how to play cello the summer of my sophomore year of high school, finally joining orchestra junior year.

Why did you pick the instrument you play?

I originally picked violin because my sister played it, and I thought it was a cool instrument. However, I later fell in love with the deep, rich timbre of the cello, and I have loved playing it ever since!

What is your favorite piece you've ever played? 

There are too many good ones to choose from! The Telemann piece that we played has a really fun cello duet part though. 

What is your best orchestra memory? 

Going to 18th Century every Monday really makes my week! Especially this year, when I can't see my friends who stayed at MHS very often anymore. 

Do you have an interesting instrument story?

For me, the most interesting instrument related story is simply getting used to how big and heavy the cello is. Coming from playing violin and clarinet, for me, the hardest part about learning to play the cello was learning to carry it around with me. I've accidentally hit who knows how many things and people trying to figure out just how big the cello is. At least I've gained some muscle from it all! 

What is one piece of advice you have for beginner musicians?  

Enjoy the process! Everyone has those sections or days when they can't play as well as they want to. But keep working through it, and take breaks when you need to! Figuring out how to play a fun song always helps me stay motivated.

What are your plans after high school?

After high school, I plan to attend college at St. Olaf College with my sister. And I'm definitely going to continue to play cello! Playing music is such a fun way to make new friends, and I'll be able to play in more ensembles with my sister now!

What other activities are you involved with at school or in the community?

I'm a member of National Honor Society and play in the school band.