I've been playing the cello since September 1993, after five years of piano lessons. I went to YMA (a music camp) during the summer of 1997 and my experience recentered my life with the cello. In summer of 1998 I went to the Britt Chamber Festival taught by the Cavani Quartet of Cleveland Insitute of Music. This camp exposed me to my now favorite part of classical music, chamber music.
Music is probably one of the most important things in my life. During high school I was a member of my local youth symphony, CYS, and played in string orchestra, Camerata, based in the local public schools. As a senior, I served as the principal cellist in both symphony and string orchestra. The high school program has had ensembles such as the Ying Quartet, the Schubert Ensemble of London, the American Chamber Players and the Emerson Quartet, visit to coach.
I have numerous favorite cellistic moments. Playing the Mendelssohn Octet with forty players on the Britt stage was amazing. In January of 1999, the Schubert Ensemble returned for coaching and my group performed the Dvorak "Bagatelles" in a recital with William Howard, their pianist. In winter of my senior year I placed first in our district for the State Solo/Ensemble competition, performing Boccherini's Grutezmacherized Cello Concerto, and I also placed fifth at the State Solo Competition playing the same piece. I had the pleasure of playing in the All-State orchestra. In college I continue to play on music scholarship and enjoy lessons, orchestra, quartets, pit orchestras, and bluegrass ensembles. Music is so important and I urge anyone out there reading this to support Arts and Music Education.