My trip to LA as a professional violinist

Hey everyone!

I hope you all are doing well and bracing yourselves through this very midwestern weather we've been having lately. I am so excited to tell you all about my recent trip to Warner Bros. Studio in Los Angeles, but before I do that, have you RSVP'd for the open house yet? Here is the link. While you are at it, invite at least 3 friends to come as well. We want a full house! Now read on and be inspired!

My Audition Process for Rise

Look at this view!

Similar to many other musical opportunities, the first thing you must complete as a musician is to prepare an audition tape. This is a way for the judges to gauge where you're playing ability is at, and how confident and well prepared you are. Now, overall, my audition process was going great until I came down with something days before it was due. Naturally, I would fall into panic, but this time I had to silence my emotions and get the job done. This happens a lot in the music industry! It's not impossible, but it is indeed hard. Luckily, I was able to pull through, and a few weeks later got the information that I was accepted into the Rise Orchestra!

My Experience in LA

For some context, the Rise Orchestra was created in 2022 by Anthony Parnther to build diversity in the film recording industry. Students from all around the country audition for Rise, and only 63 are chosen. I was incredibly honored to be among those selected! After landing in Los Angeles and getting some rest, I made my way to Warner Bros. studios and had the honor of meeting Anthony Parnther, who was incredible on the podium. He conducted himself with such clear direction and conviction. Not to mention, Parnther is one of the leading Black conductors of our time, so that in itself was such an honor to witness.

Anthony Parnther, Grammy and Oscar award winning Bassoonist and Conductor

On Day 1, we got to perform the pieces we prepared in front of the composers themselves. First, we met with Yoni Fogelman, a young LA native composer and alumna of Rise. Then, we met Emmy award-winning animation composers Julie and Steven Bernstein, and finally, we met Vincent Oppido,  who has composed for Fortnite and Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order. All the composers we met were incredibly welcoming, and I really enjoyed getting their real-time feedback!

Hey, that's me!

On the last day of recording, we worked with live singers and recorded for a video game and a TV show, both coming out later this year. Although I cannot say a lot about what was recorded, I can say it was one of the coolest things I have ever done!

I really hope this inspires whoever is reading this to continue falling in love with music. You never know where it will take you!