"I started playing viola in 6th grade at Pine Lake Middle School because many of the older kids in my neighborhood had also taken orchestra in middle school and adored the teacher! In middle school, I got attached to the instrument and the team feeling that came with being a member of the orchestra. Although 7th grade was online, we somehow managed to stay connected in orchestra, which was really cool. In 8th grade, near the end of the year, Skyline’s teacher Mr. Cook came to hear us play, and provide commentary. I’ll be honest, I didn’t like him back then. I thought he was too critical, but my view has changed now. In 9th grade, we were assigned stand partners on the first day of school, and learned we would have the same partner the entire year. My stand partner was an AMAZING human, and I feel eternally grateful to have met her and to now be able to call her my best friend. In 10th grade, I stayed in String Orchestra, and she moved up to Chamber Orchestra. In String, I got to lead the viola section and got many solos throughout the year. Although that was a nerve-wracking experience, I was so thankful for the opportunities and to see how far I’d come, especially when my middle school teacher came to a concert and saw me play! I also developed a great relationship with Mr. Cook, and although his teaching can be a bit . . . interesting at time, he’s fun to be around. In 11th grade, I got into Chamber Orchestra! I still adore playing viola, and now my best friend and I are stand partners again, which is exciting, too. I look forward to the rest of the year, and my senior year, since I will continue with orchestra. Overall, playing viola has lead me to many of the meaningful connections I’ve made in my life, that wouldn't have happened any other way." - E.Z.