Name: Allison Truong

Grade: 9th

Years of experience: 3

Wingspan: When did you start playing the cello? Why was this your choice?

Truong: “I started playing in 6th grade since I knew I either wanted to be in Orchestra or Band. I guess out of all the instruments I felt most comfortable with the cello.”

Wingspan: What about the cello first appealed to you? How does that compare to your favorite part of your instrument now?

Truong: “Initially the person who was helping me try out the cello said that I ‘had good hands’ which I suppose is a good thing? I think now my favorite part is the pitch range that the cello has and how it can play both melody and accompaniment pieces.”

Wingspan: What has been your favorite piece, and why?

Truong: “In 7th grade, my orchestra played a piece titled “Deep Sea Fandango” because the melody featured a lot of cello. It was also fun to work on it as a class since we got to learn glissando!”

Wingspan: What do you love most about it?

Truong: “Orchestra has been such a welcoming program and I’m really grateful that 5th grade me chose to be a cellist. I don’t think that my life would have been the same without it and it’s really helped me develop as a person.”

Wingspan: Do you have any advice for others that might want to start? 

Truong: “If you’re ever contemplating anything (whether it be music-related or not), just go for it! I’m the type of person who never follows through with my plans and eventually comes to regret it.”