Q: When/Why did you decide to start playing the flute?
A: I started to play the flute in 5th grade. I wanted to play in the band but I didn’t know what instrument to play. That summer, I went to China to visit family. When I was there I realized that my older cousin played the flute, and I got convinced to play it myself.

Q: How many hours a day/week do you dedicate to practicing and taking lessons?
A: In middle school I made a goal of playing 1 hour a day. But high school has made it harder to do that. During the 5 day week, I probably practice 3 hours and about 2-3 hours on weekends. I also have a 45 minute lesson a week, and a 3 hour youth orchestra rehearsal.

Q: What does being the only freshman in Wind Ensemble feel like?
A: The people that I play with don’t single me out as a “freshman”. So to be honest, it does not feel different or weird.

Q: How did it feel to be first chair IMEA?
A: I definitely wasn’t expecting it. I feel that if it weren’t for my flute teacher, Mrs. Horban, and our band director, Mr. Thompson, I wouldn’t be able to do it, and I thank them for what they have done for me. At ILMEA I had the chance to play with a lot of great players and it was a great experience overall.

Q: What do you see in your future with the flute?
A: I haven’t really given it much thought, but I know that I’m going to try and keep it going even if I don’t major in music. I’ll have to see where it takes me.

Q: What are some lifelong goals with the flute?
A: I didn’t really have any goals going into it. In fact in 5th grade, I planned to quit after 8th grade. Like I said previously, I just want to be involved in music for as long as possible, and see what happens.