Michelle Tang

Grade: Freshman

Years of Experience: 3 Years

Wingspan: When did you start playing cello in orchestra and why did you choose the cello?

Tang: “I started playing the cello in the spring of my fifth-grade year, in March of 2020. I also started the violin at the same time, but after a year of practicing both instruments, my middle school orchestra director and private lesson teacher both recommended that I play cello instead because I would have more advantages since many violinists start practicing early in their childhood, while I started rather late.”

Wingspan: What are some challenges you have faced while being in orchestra? 

Tang: “With UIL coming up, many orchestras have taken up additional rehearsals to master the music. Some challenges I have faced are waking up on time for full orchestra rehearsals and sectionals. Furthermore, when we are looking through new music (for UIL, concerts, or in general), my playing becomes very questionable since I am quite terrible at sight reading. “

Wingspan: Is it difficult to balance out schoolwork and orchestra?

Tang: “While many people might disagree, I personally do not have many problems with homework and orchestra. Practicing the cello is part of my daily routine, so I am mostly unaffected on usual days. However, when there is a concert or orchestra event that requires me to stay after school and perform and get home much later in the evening, it is slightly inconvenient. “

Wingspan: What is your favorite part of being in orchestra?

Tang: “I really like being with the people in my orchestra and attending orchestra/pod socials. When I first came to high school, I didn’t have many friends, because most of them were zoned to a different high school. However, the orchestra community was very friendly and welcoming and through class and socials, I was able to gain friendships with people in my pod, section, and entire orchestra.”

Wingspan: What motivated you to start playing cello?

Tang: “Pleasing my mother was my original motivation, but later on, I discovered that it was kind of enjoyable and that playing in an ensemble is actually really fun. Success at region and other auditions motivated me even more to practice and strive to get better?”

Wingspan: How do you prepare for performances and concerts in orchestra?

Tang: “I practice the music several times to make sure I know the music thoroughly, and then I find and clean my concert uniform to wear.”

Wingspan: Would you ever consider playing the cello in the future? Why or why not?

Tang: “I haven’t really thought about my future yet, because I still have a lot of time to think about it and am still undecided. Cello is always an option, but I genuinely do not think that I will actually pursue a career regarding it. .”