Eight talented Trinity musicians came, saw and then conquered. At the Florida Music Educators Association Conference in Tampa in their all-state ensembles, these music aficionados were selected to perform based on a written musicianship test and sight-reading music. Ranging from playing the ukulele to singing acapella, they are excited to attend the conference. Through the conference, they all hope to cultivate and develop their craft for the future.
Maggie Yuan
Favorite musical instrument: I play two instruments, the piano and violin, but if I had to choose, I’d say that the violin is more fun.
How did you start: My parents pushed me to do it, and at first I was hesitant. However, once I really got into it, my love for music never stopped.
Who is your musical role model: My piano teacher, Cheryl Tschanz. She is always very kind, and she is an amazing and strong piano player. With her, I developed more emotion in my playing of both piano and violin.
Most excited for _____ at the conference: I’m really excited to learn the music and meet some fellow musicians.
Future plans in music: I can’t see myself becoming a professional musician, but I can see myself doing it as a hobby later in life. I might want to minor in college.
Alexandra Rick
Favorite musical instrument: Her voice
How did you start: When I was little I learned to play piano (granted I don’t remember much), and I fell in love with music and every aspect of it.
Who is your musical role model: Mrs. Carter and my mom…
Most excited for _____ at the conference: Rehearsal from 8 am to like 5 pm!
Future plans in music: I definitely want to pursue it in college, whether it is a double major or a minor. One thing I’m super into is a cappella! Wherever I end up for school, a cappella is 110 percent something I want to do.
Jenna DeBell
Favorite musical instrument: It would definitely either be the ukulele or marimba.
How did you start: My mom had a bachelor’s degree in music, and my dad is an artist. I guess you can say I was destined to be in the fine arts.
Who is your musical role model: Ms. Heather Thorn, my percussion teacher, who has encouraged me to do my absolute best since 6th grade. Also, Twenty One Pilots.
Most excited for _____ at the conference: I’m super excited to meet all of my fellow percussionists and to just spend a whole weekend playing music. I went to the conference when I was in 8th grade as well. It was an incredible opportunity, and a lot of hard work.
Future plans in music: I want to perform and maybe become an elementary school fine arts/music teacher.
Hannah Lindvall
Favorite musical instrument: Obviously, violin is my favorite instrument.
How did you start: My mom gave me a violin for my fourth birthday, and it has been a huge part of my life ever since.
Who is your musical role model: My biggest inspirations are my teachers. I study privately with Rimma Bergeron-Langlois, concertmaster of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and Ivan Zenaty, a professor at the Cleveland Institute of Music and world-renowned soloist. In every lesson, I feel inspired to go home, practice and analyze every correction so that I can learn to play like them.
Most excited for _____ at the conference: I’m can’t wait to eat lots of food in restaurants with my orchestra friends and see old friends from camps and conferences!
Future plans in music: I would like to become a Professor of Violin Performance and a professional violinist. I am interested in orchestral and chamber performance and potentially soloing as well. I intend to major in Violin Performance.
Olivia Miller
Favorite musical instrument: Personally, vocals. But my favorite to hear is French horn.
How did you start: I’ve just been doing it ever since I was a kid.
Who is your musical role model: My biggest inspiration is Mrs. Carter. She is a positive force and one of the nicest people you could ever meet.
Most excited for _____ at the conference: This will be my fourth year attending the conference, so I know what to expect. I am excited for my first time performing with the sight reading choir.
Future plans in music: I don’t exactly know where I want to go in my musical career, but I am certain that I will never stop making music. No matter what I end up doing, music will remain a huge part of my life. I definitely want to pursue music in college.
