This year I decided to challenge myself and take up playing the violin in our school orchestra. It has been an uphill climb getting adjusted to the new environment, people, and conventions involved but has ultimately been an enjoyable experience.
I remember first walking into the music room with a sense of immediate awe at the sheer height of the ceilings which created better acoustics when playing. This contrasted the almost claustrophobic classroom settings I was used to.
I walked up to the Orchestra Director, Ms. Mackinson, and asked if it would be possible to join — keep in mind I was requesting the class change a few weeks well into the school year. “Do you have any experience playing the violin” is what she asked me to which I responded without a hint of irony saying “none at all”.
Despite me being completely unprepared, Ms. Mackinson’s genuine kindness made the experience so welcoming. The beginning was rough…really rough. I had not read music in so long it might as well have been Russian on the page — I really was clueless as to what I was looking at.
Actually playing the violin was a whole other story in and of itself. I had that signature grating, scratchy sound that is common for beginners. I distinctly remember feeling intimidated because everyone around me seemed to have everything figured out. This is a common emotion when entering new spaces you are not accustomed to, but it is always worth it to see it through — it’s the only way you’re able to grow. I, like most people, hate this feeling and try to improve as fast as I can so as to not be as far behind.
At this point, I have been playing and practicing with the orchestra for a few months now and I have improved a lot. It is one of my most fun classes and I look forward to it. There is something so beautiful about each individual, each with their own instrument being able to follow these strange alien writings and somehow come out with music.
The sound of luscious strings playing together creating rich chords is something that never gets old. The cellos and bass form the foundation of sound with a low and strong vibration that can be felt all throughout the room. The violas and violins layer nicely over that with their higher pitched notes that harmonize with the others.
All in all, practicing violin with the Will C. Wood Orchestra has been such a transformative experience. I am glad I did not second guess myself and took a risk. It is always a good choice to challenge yourself and take full advantage of your opportunities.
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