I'm in my third year participating in the Philharmonic Association's youth orchestras. I've been playing violin since I was 4 and my private teacher encouraged me to try out for the orchestra because I had never played in that type of environment before. The first year I tried out, I was surprised that I was accepted as a Violin II in the Triangle Youth Orchestra. Then I became nervous that I would mess up in front of the whole orchestra at rehearsals. I wasn't really good at reading music then. During that year, I felt more and more comfortable in reading music and learned many other skills that are needed if you are in an orchestra.

The second year I tried out for the Triangle Youth Orchestra and the Triangle Youth Symphony. I was ecstatic when I received a call from my conductor telling me that I was accepted into both orchestras. I had to choose between being the Concertmaster of the Triangle Youth Orchestra or move up to the Triangle Youth Symphony. I never thought I would choose to take on the responsibility of a leadership position. But surprisingly, I immediately agreed to be Concertmaster. During that year, I learned how important the role is, how many people depend on you to keep the orchestra together. The skills that I learned in the first year of orchestra helped prepare me to carry out my leadership role successfully.

This year I moved up to the Triangle Youth Symphony as a Violin I. The music is more challenging, more exciting and it is definitely making me a better musician. My experience over the past few years has taught me to respect the Conductors and principals as well as the other musicians.