4 minute read
Student Musicians of Providence Day
Written by KatieMae Sweeney.
From independent releases on Spotify to DJing and composing original pieces, Providence Day student musicians are creating niches for themselves in the world of music.
Several talented musicians recently shared their inspirations, creative processes, and plans for the future.
Koda, an orchestra student, has been immersed in music since kindergarten, starting with singing and eventually expanding to playing the cello and other instruments. It wasn’t until after fifth grade, though, that they decided to pursue music independently. Their favorite part of the creative process?
“Probably after hearing it all come together,” they said. “It takes hours to figure out harmonies sometimes, and having it all sound really nice is very rewarding.”
One of the biggest challenges, Koda explained, is mastering effects like echoes and reverb, adding that when it all comes together, it is incredibly rewarding. Drawing inspiration from Kpop and R&B, Koda has big plans to pursue music further in college. Their journey as an artist is just beginning, but their commitment to refining their sound is clear.
Zach Solomon and Santiago Esparza, co-creators behind the name “Lil Zit,”take a more unconventional approach to music. Esparza, also known as “Lil Mower,” plays the slide whistle and produces, while Zach handles most of the vocals and keyboard. Their music is heavily influenced by Yuno Miles, an inspiration they both credit with pushing them into music.
“It’s all about the feeling it gives people,” Santiago said.
Their emotional connection to the music is a driving force in their creative process. Already looking ahead to the future, the duo is working on their third album, hoping to keep releasing music for years to come.
Owen Moore, known as DJ OPM, has been connected to music from a young age, with his parents introducing him to bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Moore’s passion for music grew when he began playing the cello in fifth grade, but his love for composition really took off in ninth grade when he met Providence Day’s orchestra director, Mr. Adrian Gordon.
“I had never met anyone who composed music before,” Moore said. “At the end of my freshman year, I decided to give it a shot I wrote my first piece for the orchestra and have been composing ever since.”
Moore’s favorite part of making music is the ability to channel emotions into sound.
“It’s about starting with a feeling and expressing that through music,” he said.
Whether it’s a guitar riff or a melody on the cello, Moore thrives on translating emotions into musical form. Inspired by artists like Diplo and Black Coffee, as well as The Strokes and local Charlotte band Blankstate (stylized blankstate.) for his guitar work, Owen plans to continue pursuing music, possibly as a minor or double major in college: “I just want to keep playing and making music wherever I end up.”
For Quentin Yarbrough, music has been a passion since he was six, when his parents bought him a drum set. Over the years, Yarbrough expanded his instrumental repertoire to include guitar and bass, though drums remain his favorite.
“With drums, I feel like I’m not in my head about anything,” Quentin said “But guitar is more expressive.”
One of Quentin’s favorite parts of making music is connecting multiple ideas into a cohesive piece.
“There’s nothing more satisfying than when it all comes together,” he said.
Enrolled in the jazz ensemble, Quentin credits jazz with expanding his understanding of music theory. His influences are broad, but one band stands out Deftones.
“They really got me into making music,” Quentin said.
While he’s unsure whether music will become a professional path, he’s committed to continuing it as a lifelong passion, whether through a college minor or personal projects.
