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Features
theObserver
Friday, May 22, 2015
Seniors share wisdom with the Class of 2016 By Madison Hurr Features Editor
As the Class of 2015 is getting ready to graduate, the Class of 2016 is preparing to fill their place as the top dogs of high school: the seniors. Most seniors can say that these past four years of high school flew by. The Observer asks this year’s seniors for words of wisdom for the incoming seniors. After all, wisdom comes with seniority. “I’d say to take things in stride,” senior Annie Fang said. “Life happens. There are going to be moments that you love about senior year and moments that you absolutely hate. But at the end of the day, it’s real time that’s ticking. The year inevitably ends, and as bittersweet as that is, it’s way more fun to be able to say you really enjoyed the time you did get.” We all know that with college applications and busy schedules, senior year can initially be overwhelming, but looking back, seniors agree that it is the memories made in high school that matter most. “I would have to say to the upcoming seniors they should think that every day is a gift and they should appreciate the day and the people who they are going to spend it with,” senior Paulina Bravo said. “I would also say that they should embrace change because it will happen even if they don’t want it to. Create experiences that you wouldn’t want to regret because senior year only
happens once.” Senior Danny Espinoza agrees. “I’d advise the upcoming seniors in the Class of 2016 to be nice to everyone, make new friends and just cherish the moments with them,” Espinoza said. Looking back, senior Billy Wang advises the upcoming seniors to cherish their friendships and focus on creating the best high school experience possible. “Value your time in high school,” Wang said. “It’s a first time for many things. Spending time with your friends and crafting great memories is what high school is all about. Many years after you’ve left CHS, what you’ll be left with are the relationships you’ve created and the amazing stories you have yet to tell. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Step outside your comfort zone once in a while; take some risks, but be smart. Catch life by its throat and just live in the moment. Most importantly, have fun.” Senior Yasmine Kehnemouyi also advises the Class of 2016 to value their last year together, but also to be excited to move onto the next chapter of their lives. “I would tell the incoming seniors to make the best out of all of the exciting senior events and to really look back on all of the amazing moments they’ve had in school these past few years,” Kehnemouyi said. “And of course, to be excited to start a new chapter in college.” For those juniors who are deterred by the stress that comes with the beginning of senior year, senior Malcolm Udeozor advises them to maintain focus, and all will be well.
PHOTO BY MADISON HURR.
The Class of 2016 girls will unite by wearing their class shirt May 22. “These tedious years can feel neverending,” Udeozor said. “However, with a some determination and hard work, they will seem like a piece of cake.” Senior year can be daunting, memorable and bittersweet, as friends go their separate ways and head off to college. “It’s your very last year to make connections with some really cool people
you probably won’t see in a while, so use it to the fullest,” Fang said. “Reach out, take risks, make connections and keep an open mind. You’re going to realize there are a lot of people you haven’t even met. So meet them! You’ll find that the more friends you make now, the less alone you’ll feel when you leave. Best of luck!”
Sophomore named musical ambassador to China By Daniel Miyares Senior Writer
Come July, sophomore Ethan Shrier will become one of a select 113 musical ambassadors to the People’s Republic of China. In his words, however, he’s just happy to have a chance to play his trombone with other talented young musicians. Shrier was selected from thousands of high school musicians across the country who auditioned to perform with the National Youth Orchestra (NYO). He and his newfound peers will play seven concerts in some of China’s most iconic venues, as well as Carnegie Hall. “I’m excited to meet 112 people exactly like me who love music as much as I do and are as devoted as I am [and] to travel all over China,” Shrier said. “I’m probably most excited to perform at Carnegie Hall… doing that is a dream come true.” According to Shrier, auditioning and making the cut for ensembles such as the Maryland All-State Band, Montgomery County Senior Honors Band, and Mid-Atlantic Trombone Choir helped him prepare for the NYO audition. “I procrastinated and realized I had a week to prepare and record a solo piece,” Shrier said. “I didn’t feel all that confident, but I practiced a lot and turned it in. The stress level was about the same.”
To individuals such as Kristofer Sanz, CHS Instrumental Music director, his February selection did not come as a shock. “NYO is a nationwide search, so I was very happy to hear he won one of only three spots in the nation,” Sanz said. “In the end, it didn’t surprise me because I know how high his work ethic is and how talented he is.” According to Sanz, Shrier’s talent was apparent from the first time he heard him play. “It was very clear that he had a clear sound and tone concept way beyond his years,” Sanz said. “His work ethic was also eye-opening; he was putting in two to three hours every day, much like a professional musician.” Months after his selection, Shrier’s excitement has yet to wear off. According to Shrier, he was “really working hard” throughout the past year to train for the audition, and was “surprised and excited” to see the countless hours of practice pay off. Aside from his own talent and work ethic, Shrier has Sanz and his private teacher, Ken Wolff, to thank for the honor. “Working with Sanz every day had a huge impact on me as a musician,” Shrier said. “The energy he brings and the daily rehearsals… really made me into the musician I am.” Shrier is also thankful for Wolff’s influence, expertise and encouragement. “I started with him in 6th grade; I was one of the bottom players in that band, but I just worked harder than everybody else,” Shier said. “He gave me that extra push to
PHOTO COURTESY OF JAREE DONNELLY
Sophomore Ethan Shrier will play in seven venues in China and Carnegie Hall. make me the player I am today.” According to Shrier, Wolff also coordinated private rehearsals with fellow professional trombonists, one of whom wrote his NYO recommendation, helping him to join over 100 other musicians on an all-expenses-paid concert tour. According to Shrier, after being selected for the orchestra, “everything is taken care of” financially and logistically. The orchestra’s affiliation with Carnegie Hall simply “puts it on another level.” In any case, playing with the NYO
is both a dream come true and an impressive achievement for Shrier, who plans on playing trombone professionally. “There’s nothing I’m as passionate about, and you should definitely do what you love as a profession, and music is what I love,” Shrier said. According to Sanz, becoming the first CHS musician to perform with NYO is a well-deserved distinction. “It’s an honor to be conducting such a talented musician, and I’m excited he’ll be representing our school and Maryland at the program,” Sanz said.