[MUSIC PLAYING]
I think what drew me to music the most was the
fact that it's a break from academics.
it's definitely a great way to put aside all of the
chaos in my mind surrounding applications and homework and exams
and focus on something that I can control and something that I can work on.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
My first year, one of the first things I did when I got here was audition for the Charlottesville Symphony.
it's a hybrid faculty, student, community member orchestra
which is one of the only ones in the country.
It's a great orchestral experience, but it's also so much more.
it's this great academic experience but also a great social experience
and I truly met the friends who became my family that first year
and I've stuck with them ever since.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING]
Leading up to a performance, I think a lot about how the rehearsals have gone
and I have to remember to do this, I have to remember all of these details.
Those can be a little bit daunting, but just breathing through it and
reminding yourself that you've put the work in
I think is definitely freeing.
[VIOLIN PLAYING]