Name: Sraddha Pedaprolu
Grade: Sophomore
Years of experience: About 4

Wingspan: How did you start playing the violin? When did you start?

Pedaprolu: “I started playing the violin as a sixth grader. I went to the orchestra try-out night a few months prior, and got to try all four string instruments. The violin was the one that called out to me the most, because of its tone and its impressive range. I also partly chose it based on size, as I don’t think I would have been able to handle shifting up and down a cello or a double bass.”

Wingspan: Why did you pick the violin? What sets it apart from other instruments?

Pedaprolu: “I had always known that a violin played a very crucial role in a symphony. I also used to listen to classical music a lot back then, and I loved the melody the violins got. I also picked it because I do Carnatic music, and it would be a good accompanying instrument. What really set it apart from other instruments was how the melodies would always be so iconic. They were always easy to identify and seemed so enjoyable to play.”

Wingspan: Describe a story/moment of any kid that’s memorable to you about your instrument.

Pedaprolu: “I have had so many fun memories with my instrument, but a common motif in all of them is hard work leading to success. It always feels so good when I succeed at something, whether it be nailing a super fast section, or advancing to the next orchestra. Memories like these have boosted my confidence, as well as given me assurance that practice really does make perfect.”

Wingspan: Who or what inspires you to play?

Pedaprolu: “There are so many things that inspire me to keep playing. There are so many talented musicians all around me, and even if they don’t play the same instrument, watching them succeed gives me the fire to succeed and practice as well. Additionally, a lot of my close friends also play violin, and they always help and motivate me to be the best violinist I can be.”

Wingspan: What’s your favorite peace to play, and why?

Pedaprolu: “I really love playing super fast pieces with tricky rhythms. It takes a lot of work to figure them out, but when played perfectly, there is always a feeling of satisfaction that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I really loved playing Iditarod by Soon Hee Newbold for UIL last year. While it took a lot of work to perfect, it sounded really cool when we had mastered it. There were lots of moving parts, but it is still one of the most memorable pieces I have ever played in an orchestral setting. I also really enjoyed playing Gavotte in D Minor, and while it’s a really simple piece, it was so soothing and took a lot of work to figure out when I had first learned it.”