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Hope Applegate (11-2) & Kristina Kitsul (11-1)
Photo courtesy of Maya Lindsey (12-4)
When and why did you first learn to play the harp?
I first learned to play the harp back in 8th grade through a program called the Lyra society. They brought harps and harp lessons to Masterman. They gave a presentation and I loved the instrument. I had been playing piano for over ten years at that point, but I felt burned out. I was looking for something new to try and it was the perfect opportunity. I’ve been playing for almost four years now. I love all the new people I get to meet. The harp community is so supportive and it’s been really fun. I’ve had some of the best experiences of my life and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
What are your goals for the future?
In the near future, my plans are to go to college as a harp performance major and really hone my skills there. In the long term, I hope to become a musician and share my music, share what I have to say. I think it would be such a fulfilling and meaningful job. The goal is to join an orchestra someday.
You spent the summer in Japan. Can you tell us a bit about your time there?
I absolutely loved my time in Japan. I spent most of my time in rural Japan, which was super peaceful and a much-needed break from the busy city life I live here in Philly. My favorite place I visited was the Kurobe gorge railway. It’s a sightseeing train that runs up a mountain. The scenery and the experience overall was incredible. We also stayed in a traditional Japanese hotel afterward, which was really special. I would definitely recommend visiting Japan and immersing oneself in its beautiful culture!
Do you have any advice for your freshman self?
I would say just go for it. As a freshman, I was uncertain of whether I wanted to go down the path of being a musician because I thought I couldn’t make it and there's always self-doubt. A lot of the time doubt isn’t justified and if you love what you do you should just go for it. I thought I needed to have my whole life planned out but I think it's okay to not have a plan as a freshman. It’s important to explore different interests and find the thing you love.
What's the biggest risk you’ve taken or challenge you’ve overcome?
I’ve spent most of my high school years delving into music. A risk I’ve taken is to fully commit to going down the road of music. It’s not an easy path to take and there are going to be so many challenges especially since I’ve started so late. I think it’s a big risk but I also know I can do it. I’m nervous but excited.
Share a meaningful experience at masterman.
Spirit week would’ve been a big memory, but most of high school was virtual. Overall it's been the small things, hanging out with friends in advisory, volleyball in gym class. It’s really nice because we have all grown up together since 5th/6th grade and the community has grown a lot
If you could relive your life, what would you change?
I would definitely still be making music. For me, I think I would have gone to a more music-focused high school. Obviously freshman year I had no idea I wanted to become a musician, but a lot of the time now I feel like the schoolwork doesn’t align with my goals. Altogether though I don’t regret going to Masterman and love the community.
Best food combination?
Oreos dipped in Nutella.
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