Junior Adler Xu (pictured left) takes a selfie with his peers after the fall concert. In this week’s edition of Artistic Expressions, Wingspan sits down with Xu as he discusses his journey as a musician.
Adler Xu
Name: Adler Xu
Grade: 11th
Instrument: viola
Years of experience: 6
Future job: aerospace engineering
Wingspan: What made you want to join orchestra?
Xu: “A music elective was mandatory in Plano middle schools, but I chose orchestra over band or choir mostly because the majority of my friends were joining orchestra.”
Wingspan: How does orchestra impact your daily life?
Xu: “Practicing my instrument takes up time in my day-to-day life, but as a whole, orchestra has been an extracurricular that has introduced me to more people.”
Wingspan: Are you considering continuing your instrument beyond high school? Why?
Xu: “Potentially as a hobby or interest, but I don’t see myself pursuing a career in music or studying it in college.”
Wingspan: How does music impact your life?
Xu: “Music gives me the opportunity to express myself and enjoy something that I do. Playing an instrument gives me freedom to be creative, something hard to come by when school takes up 90% of my day.”
Wingspan: What is your favorite part of orchestra?
Xu: “My favorite part of orchestra has been seeing myself grow as a musician throughout the years.”
Wingspan: What’s your favorite memory in orchestra?
Xu: “All of the orchestra socials have been really fun and memorable, and it’s where I have been able to connect with other orchestra members.”