Musician of the Month
Each month we feature a student nominated by their teacher for their outstanding achievement, dedication, and love of music!
November : Pine Hill Violin Studio
“It has been an immense joy to watch my Pine Hill students grow as people and as musicians over the past few years and it is my pleasure to highlight Violet, Isaac, Basil, Opal, Sylvia and Vaughn this month in this way! These students are wonderful to work with – creative, engaged, excited to learn. We are delving into more involved, challenging pieces and concepts this year and I am thrilled to help them rise to the challenge. It is a privilege (and great fun) to be a part of their musical journeys – and help them learn violin technique in a way that features and enhances their natural musical abilities and inclinations.” -Ashley Freeman, Violin Faculty
Interview with Vaughn Anderson
Age: 17
School: High Mowing School
Years with Teacher: 1
How did you choose your instrument?
I didn’t choose violin so much as it was the required instrument that all 3rd graders learned, but playing it has been a fun, interactive and rewarding experience.
What have you learned from your teacher?
The current topics I am focusing on are accidentals and shifting above 4th position, but in the past I have worked on vibrato, tonalization, and bowing.
What do you like about taking lessons?
I like the pace of my violin lessons and am relieved that I no longer have to deal with the difficulties of online lessons.
How would you define music?
I would define music as a form of creative expression that can have more of an effect on people than talking ever will.
What are your hobbies?
My current hobbies include playing chess, solving Rubiks cubes, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. I currently do not plan on studying music in college but will keep playing as a hobby.
What is your favorite piece?
As for my favorite piece of violin music, I have to give it to Praeludium & Allegro by Fritz Kreisler.
Interview with Basil Cohrs
Age: 13
Hometown: Lunenburg, MA
School: Pine Hill at High Mowing School, Wilton, NH
Years with Teacher: 2nd year
How did you choose your instrument?
I wanted to play the violin for as long as I can remember.
What have you learned from your teacher?
I have learned so many things from Ashley, especially sight reading.
What is your favorite piece?
My favorite piece is Autumn from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi because it’s really fun to play.
What do you like about taking lessons?
I like improving my ability at playing the violin and getting new, interesting music. I always have a good time and laugh a lot. Last year Opal and I did group lessons and we had so much fun playing together and with Ashley. After lessons, I am more excited to practice.
What are your hobbies?
I like to read, listen to music and play with my cats.
Do you have any future plans for music?
I would always like music to be part of my life – singing or playing the violin. I think it can be relaxing and a different way to exercise your brain.
Interview with Sylvia M.
Age: 12 ½
Hometown: Wilton, NH
School: Pine Hill Waldorf School
Years at MCMS: 2
Years with Teacher: 2
How did you choose your instrument?
The violin had easier fingering than the cello.
What have you learned from your teacher?
I learned how to read music! That’s a good one!
What is your favorite piece?
This Little Light of Mine.
How would you define music?
A peaceful way to express yourself.
What do you like about taking lessons?
The one-on-one attention I get with Ashley helps me learn better.
What are your hobbies?
Crafting, reading.
Do you have any future plans for music?
I’d like to be able to play and sing in local venues like The Root some day.
Interview with Isaac Drayton
Age: 13
Hometown: Lexington, MA (Lyndeborough, NH during the weekdays)
School: Pine Hill Waldorf School
Years at MCMS: 2
Years with Teacher: 2
How did you choose your instrument?
I really liked the sound of the violin.
What have you learned from your teacher?
How to play the violin nicely and correctly.
What is your favorite piece?
Concertino in G Major
How would you define music?
Music is a pretty sound to help keep people entertained.
What do you like about taking lessons?
They help me to play the instrument much better.
What are your hobbies?
Learning about outer space, swimming and skiing.
Do you have any future plans for music?
I would like to continue playing the violin.
Interview with Violet Hannon
Age: 12
Hometown: Temple, NH
School: Pine Hill Waldorf School
Years at MCMS: 3rd year
Years with Teachers: 3rd year
How did you choose your instrument?
I’ve been wanting to play the violin all my life.
How long have you played your instrument?
I’ve been playing for 4 years.
What have you learned from your teacher?
She inspires me.
What is your favorite piece?
Hornpipe.
How would you define music?
Different pitches strung together.
What do you like about taking lessons?
I can really focus on certain pieces.
What are your hobbies?
Circus arts and violin.
Do you have any plans for music?
To keep playing for fun.