I first got introduced to the viola in elementary school and ever since then, I absolutely love playing this instrument! I continued to play in my middle school orchestra, where I was first chair in my section. In middle school, I also received the solo award for our district assessments. Freshman year in high school, I was selected for the All-Region orchestra. Sophomore year, I was first chair in the district level orchestra and received our school’s Maestro Orchestra Award. This year, in my junior year, I won first place for the 2020 YMIC Global Competition’s Metropolitan Music Festival. I was once again selected for this year’s All-region orchestra. Outside of school and competitions, I am currently volunteering virtually for church organizations where I meet up weekly with other string and band players. We rehearse, make a virtual concert video, and send to the local community! I also founded a free music tutoring program during the pandemic that gives online lessons for beginner stringed and band players.
You can find Rachel’s performance here.