“[Being concertmaster of the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra is] a nice combination of both [fun and stress]. Freshman year, we played Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, and it was amazing. I was in the middle of the section, and it was really nice to be able to relax and enjoy it. I think when I’m concertmaster, it’s certainly more stressful. There’s a lot more pressure on you to know your part really well, but at the same time, it’s also really fun to be able to lead the orchestra. Especially with a solo, it adds another dimension to what you’re able to do with the music. I’m currently planning on studying music in college along with some other academic degree program. Music is really important to me, and I would like to be a [professional] violinist. For now, I’m just playing along, having fun, and we’ll see where the current takes me.”
