Name: Riya Rathod

Grade: junior

Instrument: violin

Years of experience: 5 years

Wingspan: What inspired you to start playing the violin?

Rathod: “It was peer pressure at first. Then, I started to like to play my instrument so I kept going and I’m still playing right now.”

Wingspan: How do you prepare for rehearsals and performance in orchestra?

Rathod: “I like to practice for maybe 30 minutes at home. I try not to go over that but sometimes I have a difficult measure that I need to practice and I just let my fingers do the magic.”

Wingspan: What is your favorite part of orchestra?

Rathod: “It’s the people I meet. I’ve made so many friends. I just enjoy socializing, I love meeting people and I love hearing what they do and the contributions they make.”

Wingspan: What are some challenges you may face in playing the violin?

Rathod: “For me, it’s trying to play together in an ensemble.I find it hard to play with other people. Orchestra has taught me a lot to be a part of a group and a team and I hope to improve on those skills even more.”

Wingspan: How do you balance your personal life and orchestra commitments?

Rathod: “I try to create a calendar and I create a notion on how to spend the entire day. Sometimes I do have off days. I think everyone should have one. I try to put in an hour or an hour and a half to practice.”