Orchestral Experience

Through middle school I studied cello at Mannes Prep, the pre-college division of the Mannes School of Music at The New School. It was serious: private lessons, theory and ear training, orchestra, and the practice schedule a conservatory program expects.

Then a Hobby

In high school, as gymnastics took over most of my training time, cello became a hobby rather than a pursuit, and honestly the most relaxing part of my week. I kept playing through the Avenues High School Orchestra, and I still play now.

The conservatory years taught me hard work and perseverance, since no difficult piece gets easier except by returning to it. Playing for its own sake afterward taught me the other half: creativity, and that you can keep something you love without needing to be the best at it.