2023 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS, CONTINUED.

from NVYO March 5, 2023 concert program

PROGRAM NOTES

Issac Pifer, percussion, graduates from Larimore High School after one year in NVYO Symphony. He says it was a new experience being in an orchestra, and taught him about adapting to different sounds Issac's advice for younger musicians: "Music is definitely an art and not just notes written on paper. Once you tap into that aspect, it truly elevates each piece you play " Issac thanks his band teacher, Gabrielle Helfrich, for "pushing me to do more in music that I ever thought possible for myself." Issac's plans after graduation include the National Guard Army Band and then studying Communications and Music at UND.

Megan Schill, violin, graduates from Grand Forks Central after 5 years of NVYO in Philharmonic, Dal Segno, and Symphony Her favorite NVYO piece was Soul of Remembrance by Mary D Watkins Megan says, "working directly with the conductors of the music we’re performing and playing world premieres have both been really unique and special experiences. Also, I’ll always remember Dr. Sütterlin encouraging us to eat our 'fruit " [fruit snacks at break!] Megan's advice to younger musicians: "Stop trying to be perfect and just play Commit to the performance and the story you’re telling and you’ll start to play music and not just notes. " Megan also says, I’d like to thank my parents for always supporting me and encouraging me to be ambitious and take risks." Megan will be attending Quincy University [in Illinois] to major in Business Analytics and Sport Management. She will be on the swim team at Quincy, and says "I am excited to meet and connect with new people "

Nivanthi Wijetunga, flute (and sometimes cello), graduates from Red River High School after 3 years in NVYO programs, including Philharmonic, Symphony, Crescendo and Dal Segno She plans on taking a year off before going to college, and then hopes to go into the medical field or do biomedical research. Nivanthi's favorite thing about NVYO is being able to see, and play music with, friends who go to different schools. A favorite piece was Stella Sung's Rockwell Reflections Nivanthi says "I would like to thank my parents, who encouraged me to love music and try new things." She would also like to thank her flute teacher Angela Urlacher, cello teacher Naomi Welsh, and voice teacher Mandy Moreno, " for having a lot of patience with me over the years and helping me to grow!" Nivanthi's advice for younger musicians is "There’s something in music for everyone – find what you enjoy and stick with it!"

Angela Zaruba, cello (and tenor sax!) graduates from Northwood High School after 5 years of NVYO Philharmonic, Dal Segno and Crescendo. Jupiter was a favorite piece, and she appreciated the ability to play in an orchestra! Angie plans to attend UND to major in Physical Therapy with a minor in music, and advises younger students to "keep practicing " Angie thanks her piano and cello teachers, Barb and Kara