Olivia
1. Why NYSSSA? (why audition, why did you decide to attend?)
I chose NYSSSA because I had it recommended to me by my private teacher as well as a friend who went last year. After looking at the amazing YouTube videos of performances and hearing more about it from my high school conductor, I decided it would be a great opportunity to try out for!
2. How did you find out about NYSSSA?
I found out about NYSSSA from my private teacher, my school's conductor and through friends recommendations
3. Typical Day/Schedule at NYSSSA?
A typical day at NYSSSA: 9-12, full orchestra (so much fun!), 12:45-1:30, elective (I took aural theory because I sing as well as play the cello. Coming back from that, my sight singing has improved so much and I learned a lot about basic music theory) 1:30-2:30, break (but most of my friends ended up sitting and playing anyway haha)2:30-4:30 string orchestra for me, band for others (I loved string orchestra because we really got a chance to work and pull the musicality out of the pieces, and Maestro always picked alternative pieces that taught us a lot). In the evenings, depending on the day, we would either have chamber rehearsal or a Philadelphia Orchestra concert at SPAC. The chamber ensembles were great experiences, I learned so much about playing with a small group, and I'm still great friends with the violist from my quartet!! And, the Philadelphia orchestra performances were amazing to watch and learn from!!
4. Best Moment at NYSSSA?
I really don't have a "best" or "favorite" moment from NYSSSA, it was overall just a wonderful experience
5. Why would you encourage someone to audition for NYSSSA?
I would tell people to audition for NYSSSA because it's just an amazing experience. My playing advanced so much just being there and I learned new techniques that I still use. I also, have stayed in contact with most of the people I met there and I'm happy to call them some of my best friends.
