by Annie Zhang, news editor
The Roar spoke with freshman June Jeong, a member of the high school orchestra who also plays a number of instruments.
So, when did you start to play the violin?
In fourth grade.
What made you want to play the violin?
I chose it because I like listening to and making music.
Is the violin all you play?
No, I actually play the guitar, the ukulele and the piano.
When did you learn to play these instruments?
I learned them about the same time I learned how to play the violin.
So, which instrument do you like more?
I think I like the violin best because I’m most involved in it, and I play it at school, so I practice more of it than the other instruments I play.
What do you feel about your first year in high school orchestra?
I like it, because I like being in a group. Everything we do is a team effort.
And how has it been different from your previous orchestra classes?
High school orchestra is a lot more open, and it’s not as inclusive. We’re also playing better pieces. It’s difficult, and I actually have to practice, but I like it.
How has orchestra affected your violin abilities in general?
I have to practice both my school music and my private lessons music, and that gets stressful sometimes, but it’s helped me become a better violinist.
How far would you say you’ve come in terms of your musical abilities?
I feel like I’ve come fairly far, and I really want to keep on going throughout the next couple years.
Do you think you’d want to continue even further, as in college?
Well, I’m not sure about college, but even if I don’t take lessons or major in music or anything, I’d still want to play because music means so much to me.
What does music, in general, mean to you?
It definitely makes me feel better about myself when I play, and it’s just a really big hobby of mine. Whenever I play, I feel happier.
Do you have any anecdotes you’d like to share about orchestra?
Well, I forgot my violin to a concert once, which is definitely unique, but I ended up playing on someone else’s violin.
