2020 High School Seniors, CONT. Daniel Hettich graduates from Grand Forks Central after nine years of playing violin and string bass in NVYO, in Allegro, Philharmonic, and Symphony. Daniel says, "I am glad I have been a part of NVYO as it helped me meet many new people who enjoy making music. It also helped me have a chance to play more difficult songs than you would normally play in school. My advice for younger musicians would be to keep doing it even when it gets hard. It is worth it to keep playing it in the end." College details are still unknown, but he hopes to continue playing music throughout his life as a hobby. Daniel would like to thank all the music educators who refused to take "I don't really want to" for an answer and who "kept pushing me to try different things, whether that be chamber choir, jazz band, All-State, UND Honor Orchestra, Solo and Ensemble performances and many other things." M
" Work hard but also make sure to have fun." -Oliver Dalmi
Aiden Krogh, cello, graduates from Red River High School and from 2012-20 played in Philharmonic, Crescendo, Dal Segno, and Symphony. He loved playing the Brahms Academic Festival Overture with the Concordia Orchestra and getting to work with them. [March 2017] He says it was fun to see Dr. SĂźtterlin's approach to working with a college orchestra compared to a youth orchestra. Next year Aiden plans to attend college for engineering, most likely somewhere out of state; this summer he will tour North America with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYOUSA). Aiden's advice to younger musicians: "Try to explore as many musical opportunities as you can! New experiences will open up more doors with your music and make your time more fulfilling. " Aiden would like to thank his cello teacher Naomi Welsh "for encouraging me to seek new opportunities for cello and for teaching me the skills to be able to be successful at a national level. I am so thankful to have a teacher who pushes me to be the best version of myself. " Though he doesn't plan on focusing solely on music as a career, Aiden plans to continue playing cello in orchestras in the future.
Maisy Lindseth, cello & percussion, graduates from Grand Forks Central after 6.5 years of NVYO and has been in the Allegro, Philharmonic, and Symphony orchestras. Maisy is glad that she participated in NVYO throughout middle and high school because of the different music and composers she has been exposed to. Next year Maisy plans to attend UND to continue her education in music and medicine, and also continue playing. She would tell younger musicians, if they love and are passionate about music, to "always try to find a way to stay involved. I would also say to enjoy every music ensemble or experience you are part of, playing music should be fun. " Maisy thanks the middle school, high school, and private music teachers that she had: Mrs. Eylands, Mr. Knabe, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Barta, Mr. Mercer, Mr. Carriere, Mr. Wogsland, Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. Harlow, Caleb Fritel, and Mike Blake. She says "all of these teachers have in some way pushed me to be a better musician and person in my musical journey, for which I am very grateful." Trevor Masa, violin, graduates from Red River High School after four years of NVYO. His favorite piece was Stars and Stripes Forever [November 2019]. Next year Trevor will head off to study Psychology PT. Trevor recommends to younger musicians, "balance your time with schoolwork and NVYO," and thanks his mom and dad for helping him go farther in NVYO. He sees music fitting into his future as use of "storytelling and lyric dissection."
Emma Rudow, flute and piccolo, graduates from Grand Forks Central after five years of NVYO, including Philharmonic, Symphony, Crescendo, and Dal Segno. She says participating in NVYO programs has helped her grow and branch out in the music world, and make connections that she would have missed out on, had she not been a part of it. Emma plans to study music education and/or performance at Concordia College starting in the fall of 2020, where she will continue performing in ensembles and work toward her goal of becoming a music educator. She advises younger players: "Make music fun, there are so many different ways to pursue music whether it is a central focus in your life or a hobby." Emma would like to thank: her private flute teacher Angie Urlacher for her endless support and kindness and for being an outstanding role model. Emma also thanks her band teachers: Cassel Everson, Don Nagle, Sarah Harlow and Leah Brooks for their guidance and support...Naomi Welsh for being proactive in our music community ...and all of the professors she has had the opportunity to work with: Dr. Lisa Bost-Sandberg, Debora Harris, and Dr. SĂźtterlin. Emma says, "Without all these wonderful mentors, I would not be the musician I am today!" Maisy Skalicky, oboe, graduates from East Grand Forks Senior High after one season with NVYO. She enjoyed receiving difficult music, and finally perfecting it. She is interested in the field of health and nutrition studies, at an undecided college where she also plans to participate in various music groups. Her advice to younger players is "even when you think you can't do something, know you can. Always persevere and push past the hard times." In thanking those who have helped shape her musical growth, Maisy says "first of all, I must thank my mom for buying me my instrument in the first place, and making all of it possible, and my parents and grandparents for always encouraging me." She also thanks all the music teachers she's had throughout the years of who have taught her almost everything she knows about music today.
Nate Thompson, trombone, graduates from East Grand Forks Senior High after 6 years of NVYO: two in Philharmonic and four in Symphony. He really enjoyed the side by side concert at Concordia [March 2017], as it was "fun performing alongside them." In the fall, Nate is planning to attend Purdue University for engineering, however hopes to keep music a part of his life while in college. Nate's advice to younger musicians is "keep practicing even when you get frustrated." He thanks the following people for their role in his musical growth: his parents; and band teachers Mrs. Loer and Mrs. Searle.
