Kritika Ramesh

Name: Kritika Ramesh

Grade: 11

Instrument: Violin

Years in Orchestra: 6

Inspiration: My parents

Favorite Musician: Bruno Mars

Wingspan: What made you choose your instrument?

Ramesh: “During instrument selection, I tried various instruments both in orchestra and band, but found myself drawn to the violin due to its higher notes it could reach and the ease of transporting the instrument. I have also grown up listening to orchestral music on the radio and enjoyed listening to the melodies brought by the violin, so I decided to choose it as my instrument!”

Wingspan:What made you want to choose to do orchestra?

Ramesh: “I knew I wanted to play the violin when I first picked it up, so I ultimately decided to join orchestra to be part of a larger organization of like-minded musicians.”

Wingspan: How does orchestra impact your daily life?

Ramesh: “Over the past few years, especially with continuing orchestra in high school, this organization has provided me with opportunities for me to not only showcase my technical abilities, but to develop my leadership and communication skills. Orchestra consistently strives to provide an inclusive environment with frequent socials that I help to organize and facilitate with the rest of the officer team. I appreciate how orchestra is very much student-led and we are able to actively make a change in this large organization.”

Wingspan: Are you considering continuing orchestra beyond?

Ramesh: “I definitely want to continue orchestra in the future, since it has become such an important part of my life. Considering that I have been playing the violin for several years now, I don’t think I would like to stop playing. Making music is a privilege that I want to continue, possibly in college as well!”

Wingspan:What are your personal goals for this year?

Ramesh: “Prior to the end of the UIL season for this year, my goal was to develop my technical skills with the music we performed at this competition. The directors did a great job in choosing music that was doable for Camerata orchestra, while pushing us to do better as young musicians.”

Wingspan:What is your favorite thing about orchestra?

Ramesh: “My favorite thing about orchestra is the community. Personally, I have been able to meet amazing people, including other grade levels, who are now some of my closest friends. From competing together to having a blast at socials, orchestra members are what make this organization unique from others and I’m truly grateful to be a part of it!”

Wingspan: How do you balance orchestra, school, and any other extracurriculars?

Ramesh: “I try to prioritize my commitments, while managing my time between them. Utilizing time in school along with blocking out time for each activity once I get home is what keeps me focused on the things that are most important to me!”

Wingspan:What’s your favorite memory of the orchestra?

Ramesh: “Over spring break, I had the opportunity to go to Disney with members of orchestra. Spending time with my closest friends and going on rides all day long was a key memory for me. This trip allowed me to get closer with my friends and taught me how to rely on myself, since it was my first time traveling out of state without my family.”

Wingspan: What is your advice to anybody thinking about joining the orchestra?

Ramesh: “Orchestra is a rewarding experience that really allows you to embark on your own musical journey, while making friends and finding opportunities that are not provided in other organizations. Not only do you get the opportunity to make music, but you also get to have a lot of fun at socials and annual travels!”

Wingspan: If you had to pick a different instrument to play what would it be?

Ramesh: “I have always admired the cello, since it has a wide range of notes that can be played along with a deeper tone in comparison to the violin. A lot of my friends play the cello and I love hearing the music they make, in addition to the beautiful harmonies that are the foundations of any piece.”

Mika Lal

This week on Artistic Expressions, staff reporter Rachel Kim sits down with Mika Lal. Lal talks about her involvement and inspirations in art.

Rachel Kim, Staff Reporter

Name: Mika Lal

Grade: 12th

Inspiration: Hayao Miyazaki

Future job: Experimental psychologist

Wingspan: When did you start getting involved in art?

Mika: “I was involved in art since I was little. I remember carrying around a sketchbook with me whenever my family and I would go out. In elementary school, I would also be playing around with sticky notes creating origami pieces.”

Wingspan: What made you choose art?

Mika: “I chose art because of its endless creativity and the fact that I am able to create something using my imagination or inspiration from experiences. By choosing art, I am able to express myself and my feelings in another form.”

Wingspan: Do you see yourself continuing this in the future?

Mika: “I definitely do see myself continuing art in the future whether that would be commissioning artworks or creating things for myself during my free time.”

Wingspan: What kinds of art are you most interested in?

Mika: “Currently, I am most interested in Impressionist art, animation, and pottery.”

Wingspan: What is your favorite thing about art?

Mika: “My favorite thing about art is that it has no limits and I can do anything with it. I like that I am in control of how my artwork looks, even though sometimes it doesn’t look as how I imagined. I also like how there are so many art forms and materials that can be used to express my ideas. Personally, I love using watercolor because of the different techniques and brushstroke looks I can create.”

Wingspan: What would you say is the most challenging thing about art?

Mika: “I think the most challenging thing about art is having to navigate my way to creating the piece I imagined. There were many times the pieces I made were not exactly how I wanted them to be. However, sometimes these pieces turned out to be better than what I thought they would look like. I also think it is challenging to completely finish a piece because there is always something more I can add or fix but I don’t want to mess up how it looks at the same time.”

Wingspan: What is your favorite art piece you have created?

Mika: “My favorite art piece I have created is from this year’s VASE competition. It is a watercolor piece showcasing the Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha) statue.”

Wingspan: What’s your favorite memory of art?

Mika: “My favorite memory of art was when I visited historical statues in Japan such as the Kamakura Daibutsu statue and the Oofuna Kannon statue. These Buddhist statues were breathtaking when I visited. I have many sketches and pictures of these statues which ultimately inspired my favorite art piece.”