Interview with Ellie Lee, Showcase Violinist
What instrument do you play?
I play the violin.
What SDYS ensemble are you in?
I am in Sinfonia.
What inspired you to create the SDYS Youth Leadership Group?
During COVID-19 I wanted to create a way to connect with my conductor, fellow musicians, and friends as our weekly rehearsals were no longer available. It was a huge disappointment to be unable to perform the concert we have put in weeks and months of hard work for, but I wanted to stay positive and keep the teamwork and music of SDYS going.
How do you want yourself and others to contribute positively to SDYS at this time?
I, along with fellow leaders, want to make sure students feel like they have a safe and inspiring platform to share their musical talent and expand their musical interests even while physical distance separates us. We are hoping to create new projects and traditions to make SDYS members feel more involved while bringing creative ideas from different individuals to life. When COVID-19 is over, the SDYS Youth Leadership Council hopes to further organize events.
What are some things you hope to connect on with your peers on the SDYS BAND.us?
I hope to give each other advice and inspiration that will guide us all through our musical journey, both as solo musicians and members of an ensemble. One of our goals is to reflect on our experiences in SDYS and appreciate what our conductors and staff members have done and continue to do every week.
A sense of community is something that can help us all feel less isolated during these times.
How can we all best support you and your SDYS Youth Leadership Council initiative?
Although the SDYS Youth Leadership Council is a smaller group of students, our goal is to involve all SDYS members. We will update musicians (most likely on the Weekly Updates) of ongoing projects or events. Please participate and invite fellow SDYS musicians to do so too as your meaningful contributions are what create inspiration, sense of community, and positive
advances to the future of SDYS.
Thank you for the fantastic interview, Ellie!