How does everyone react to me playing on my viola?
First, let’s start with my friends. I remember my junior and senior year of high school where everyone was in shock that I was second chair my junior year and first chair my senior year. Everyone loved that I was a leader, motivator and always gave advice. No matter what trials of tribulations I had, I always made sure that I was making sure that I put in my practice time. I enjoyed playing, and got to play in front of an audience. Especially, during my special memory of my last all-city concert that combined all three high schools in Lawton. Getting to play with all of the amazing friends from not only my high school, but the other high schools, made me fall in love with the orchestra program more in Lawton. Years later, I am now doing the OU Civic Orchestra. One of my best friends, Vanessa Cleophat, convinced me long and hard to play again. I originally was going to, but she made me do it again. I am thankful for her, and convincing me to do it.
Another time would be when I moved into my apartment, and one of my roommates was surprised by how good I was. The first time he was amazed was when I first started playing one of my favorite composers songs. That song and composer was called “North Star to Freedom” (In Honor of The Underground Railroad) by Soon Hee Newbold. When I played my last note, which was an f sharp, I was surprised even to myself. When I heard the knock on the door, I thought I played too loud. My heart dropped, and he came in, and he was amazed.
How does my family react to me playing on my viola?
Honestly, a lot of my family loved me playing on my viola, especially my beloved late grandmother who passed away a couple of years ago. She would always say to me, “Mijo, you play beautifully. When I pass on, I want you to play at my funeral.” I didn’t expect it to be so quickly when she’d pass away. Back on Nov. 8, 2022, all of my family from Lawton came to my orchestra concert. One of my family members, Melissa ran to me and gave me a huge hug. It is always my family who come to support my love for music. For that, I will always be grateful.