Name: Akshara Rajesh

Grade: 10th

Instrument: violin

Years of experience: 5 years

Wingspan: How did you start playing the violin?

Rajesh: “I started playing the violin as an elective in middle school. I actually had just moved from Louisiana, so I had missed the Instrument Tryout Night, but fun fact, I chose to play the violin after going through a slideshow of orchestra instruments!”

Wingspan: What’s your favorite part about it? 

Rajesh: “I would say that my favorite part is probably the various styles and emotions that you can convey with it.”

Wingspan: What’s the most challenging part of playing the violin? 

Rajesh: “I think the most challenging part is knowing how to balance the sound when you’re playing with an orchestra. Because the biggest section is usually us, but we have to make sure to use appropriate volume so that other parts are heard, and we sound clean as an ensemble.”

Wingspan: Is there a favorite piece that you’ve played?

Rajesh: “My favorite pieces are: “Frog in A Tree” by Edmund J. Seinnicki, since it was the first piece that I auditioned(Violin 1/Violin 2) for a which section I would be in; and “Egyptian Legacy” by Soon Hee Newbold, because my friends and I had lots of fun learning to play that. Both pieces hold a lot of memories, so I can’t choose between them!”

Wingspan: What is your favorite part about being in the orchestra program? What about being an officer?

Rajesh: “I love orchestra because I love making music, but also because I got to make so many friends, and we also get to hang out a lot during our socials! I love being a officer because its taught me to look ahead, and become a more responsible person, not just for my personal success, but for the entire group. I especially love being a Historian because I get to capture so many memories!”

Wingspan: What are some of your responsibilities as an officer?

Rajesh: “Being an orchestra officer has shaped my leadership skills as they have taught me to become a more dependable person. To other orchestra members, officers are the second people anyone can go to, after the directors, for any questions they have. We also play a critical role in making students feel welcome as we take part as leaders of orchestra pods.”

Wingspan: Is there any advice you would give to prospective orchestra students? 

Rajesh: “I would say always remember to enjoy making music with your friends, make new ones, and practice!”