Performance Pieces include…

• ‘Solo Concerto in C Minor’ Johann christian Bach, for Viola and orchestra, Mvt. 2

• ‘Suite for Viola Solo No.1 in G Minor’ Max Reger, Mvt. 1-3

Written Reflection Questions

Thinking about the process and product of your Capstone, reflect upon what you are most proud of and what you might do differently if you were to complete a similar project in the future. Explain how your life experiences are reflected through your project. 

Being able to work on a project like this has allowed me to take a personalized approach to music that I never really thought about before. I learned more about myself and my preferences as a violist and have been impacted by my general performance. As a performer, I constantly get nervous and it impacts my playing but throughout my senior year, I have learned to maintain that anxiety and push through. I am for sure a better performer now. 

Explain how your life experiences are reflected through your project. 

My high school experience was primarily focused on Orchestra. From Freshman year to COVID, to making it into Regionals, my entire career as a student was defined by my musicality. I feel this project has reflected me as a musician. I am not an artist simply because I am in orchestra. I find repertoire that matches my playing style and pieces I find fun to play. I am the only musician in my family and so making me proud to play as I do.

Thinking about the Extra-curricular hours you completed, reflect upon what you learned through the experiences and/or how you have been impacted as an artist? 

The majority of my extracurricular hours were from participating in EVYS throughout the school year. Personally, I feel that the best way to improve is to participate. I have participated for the past three years and feel much stronger as a musician and as a part of an orchestra. We have been able to perform repertoire from Dvorak to Beethoven and I have learned so much from Mrs. Petty and Mr. Mendoza. Being in a full symphony is a completely different experience compared to a normal class and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to work with such great artists.

How is your life positively impacted by the arts? 

Ever since I joined the orchestra, I have had a place to go. I have eaten every lunch in the orchestra room, I have festivals and field trips to go on, and most importantly I have made a lot of friends. The arts have slowly taken over my life but have also given me so much to look back on and be thankful for. 

How do you plan to include artistic experiences in your future after high school? 

Unfortunately, there are not many opportunities to continue with music past my high school experience. I plan on joining a community orchestra or doing something small for my undergraduate, but I don't plan on majoring or minoring in music. I feel however the leadership skills I have learned and the fine motor skills I have developed will take me very far in life. Music allows me to think freely and live without rules. I think I will try and continue that spirit outside of the orchestra. 

What advice would you give n about studying the arts to help them make the most of their experiences while in high school? 

For future freshmen, my only advice is to get involved. In high school, I did do orchestra as the elective, but I also got involved in Youth Symphonies, Solo and Ensemble, Regionals, All-State, did solos, and worked so hard. You have to practice and you have to improve. My experience in orchestra stemmed from the fact that I was extremely involved in and out of school. The most important part is to have fun, and you can't have fun if you don't perform to your best abilities.