Orchestra String Seniors 2022:
Sana Arya (cello), Elisabeth Beer (cello), Jonah Caldwell (violin), Shiyuan Chen (violin), Iyana Coates (violin),
Sharon Davis (cello), Illiana Gonzalez (violin), Drake Howard (viola), Jinyoung Jeong (violin) , Corinne Jones (cello),
Sousanna Kimbouris (viola), Zachary Kleinerman (violin), Shehzin Lodhi (cello), Ainsley Louagie (violin),
Wes Millhouse (bass), Anthony Mitchell (violin), Elaine O'Neal (viola), Jayden Page (violin), Macconel Pemba (violin), Mori Rothhorn (violin), Gregory Rowe (violin), Marlee Schuesler (cello), Reese Skidmore (viola), Evan Sundermann (bass), Emmarae Vanderbush (violin), Lily Zelley (cello)
Sana Arya (cello), Elisabeth Beer (cello), Jonah Caldwell (violin), Shiyuan Chen (violin), Iyana Coates (violin),
Sharon Davis (cello), Illiana Gonzalez (violin), Drake Howard (viola), Jinyoung Jeong (violin) , Corinne Jones (cello),
Sousanna Kimbouris (viola), Zachary Kleinerman (violin), Shehzin Lodhi (cello), Ainsley Louagie (violin),
Wes Millhouse (bass), Anthony Mitchell (violin), Elaine O'Neal (viola), Jayden Page (violin), Macconel Pemba (violin), Mori Rothhorn (violin), Gregory Rowe (violin), Marlee Schuesler (cello), Reese Skidmore (viola), Evan Sundermann (bass), Emmarae Vanderbush (violin), Lily Zelley (cello)
JINYOUNG JEONG
VIOLINIST/ CONCERTMASTER- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Jinyoung started playing the violin when she was five years old, and has been a violinist in the EL orchestras since middle school. She is currently the concertmaster of the ELHS Symphonic Orchestra and Encore Strings, as well as the Mid-Michigan Youth Symphony. She was also the concertmaster of the Ravel String Orchestra at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. As a junior, she was selected to be in the MSBOA All-State Orchestra. Outside of orchestra, she leads the ELHS Science Olympiad Club and the Vivace Strings volunteer group, and has been involved in NHS, the varsity swim team, the Pit orchestra, and the PING program.high school.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? I loved going on the elementary school tour with Encore. I had a lot of fun messing around with friends, (skipping school), and encouraging younger kids to take up music. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? My two most memorable concerts were the 8th grade full orchestra concert where we played the Harry Potter and my senior solo concert. Having to stop a piece in the middle and start it over during a live concert is a separate level of unforgettable, and my debut as a soloist is something I'll fondly keep with me for a long time. Is there anything else you want to share? Thank you to all my music teachers and conductors--especially Mr. Rosin--for helping me grow into the musician I am today, the EL Orchestras for their support, and my family for encouraging my passion for music (even if it meant putting up with my practicing at odd hours of the day)! |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? A tie between Orange Jam and the 4th movement of the New World Symphony. What are your plans for next year? At the time of writing, my plans for next year aren't set in stone. I plan on studying neuroscience at school and will continue to be involved in music. |
SHEHZIN LODHI
CELLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
Bio
Shehzin has been a cello player in the East Lansing Orchestra Program since 6th grade, although playing the cello was not her first option. Her older brother played French horn, and wanting to follow in his footsteps, she was narrowing it down to saxophone, or percussion. But in the end, the cello prevailed, and it became a kind constant in her hectic middle and high school years. Since then, she has been part of the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade orchestras along with the Chamber and Symphonic Orchestras at the high school.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? My favorite memory/experience was the Chicago trip in middle school. I really enjoyed going to all the museums and dragging my friends through all the exhibits I wanted to go in. Not to mention the Chicago Symphony; whose forte playing shattered my eardrums at the back of the hall! What was your favorite or most memorable concert? The answer to this is the same for many of us; the Harry Potter concert in 8th grade. I think it was one of the first times us string players were performing with the band and it sounded fine in class, but my lord when we played that night, it couldn't have gone worse. I remember hearing something off and feeling like one section was really far away from where we were in the piece, and then Mr. Rosin stopped the piece, and I was mortified. Is there anything else you want to share? As an 11-year-old, I didn't think that I would be playing the cello for this long or become so attached to playing everyday, but now the only thing I try to tell kids is to play an instrument; any instrument. It's difficult and definitely a learning process, but it's one of the few things that you can control in your life, and there are so many people to help you along the way. I would like to thank my helper, Mr. Rosin, for encouraging me, listening to my 2am chair audition recordings, and for finding such amazing pieces for the orchestras to play. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? I've had many favorite pieces over the years. They've been the slower pieces with ear tickling chords, like when Dobby died in the arrangement of Harry Potter from 8th grade, or the Sarabande in which the cellos had such a beautiful melody, and even Jupiter by Holst where everyone played in unison and made such a concrete melody. What are your plans for next year? For next year, I will be attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I plan to major in some biology related science field, and hopeful start working towards getting my pre-med credits done. Even though I won't be minoring or majoring in a music field, I will continue to play and explore with different instruments, will hopefully be able to buy my own cello after a while and practice that way, and maybe even find a quartet to play with in my free time. |
WES MILLHOUSE
BASSIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Wes Millhouse has always had a love for music, and has played the guitar since he was five. In sixth grade he picked up the double bass in orchestra, and has since developed a love for classical music on top of his interest in other genres. He played in chamber orchestra, encore strings, and symphonic orchestra throughout high school. He also played bass in the jazz program and was on the drumline in marching band.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? My favorite orchestra experience was during our trip to Cleveland, when we visited the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? My freshman year collage. Collage was very fast paced, but still enjoyable. Everyone who I knew also were extremely impressed by the whole concert. Is there anything else you want to share? I also plan on continuing my band in the future and hopefully having a job both as a performer and producer. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? Interstellar What are your plans for next year? I plan on attending the University of Michigan to receive a degree in Performing Arts Technology. |
JAYDEN PAGE
VIOLINIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
I started playing violin when I was 4 years old. I have been playing in the orchestra since I was in 6th grade. Mr Rosin has been a great teacher over the last 6 years and he has done a really good job of helping me become a better musician.
I started playing violin when I was 4 years old. I have been playing in the orchestra since I was in 6th grade. Mr Rosin has been a great teacher over the last 6 years and he has done a really good job of helping me become a better musician.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? One of my favorite orchestra experiences was the trio to Cleveland because of all the stuff we did. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? The Mark Wood concert because of how different it was. Is there anything else you want to share? I just want to say thank you to Mr. Rosin for everything he has done for me. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? My favorite song we played was Final Countdown. What are your plans for next year? I am going to Grand Valley State University to run track and cross country. |
SHARON DAVIS
CELLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
SHARON DAVIS
CELLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
Bio
Sharon began playing the cello in the 6th grade at MacDonald Middle School. She continued playing cello into East Lansing high school where she was a member of the Chamber and Symphonic Orchestra. Sharon also enjoys learning French, participating in All Star competitive cheer, and volunteering in the community.
Sharon began playing the cello in the 6th grade at MacDonald Middle School. She continued playing cello into East Lansing high school where she was a member of the Chamber and Symphonic Orchestra. Sharon also enjoys learning French, participating in All Star competitive cheer, and volunteering in the community.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? Mr. Rosin telling memories and stories from his high school days. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? 8th Grade trip to attend the Chicago Symphony Is there anything else you want to share? Thank you for the awesome opportunity to be a part of East Lansing's music program. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? A Festival Rondo by Meyer. What are your plans for next year? Attend Michigan State University where I plan to major in Criminal Justice and minor in French. Ultimately, I plan to attend law school and become an immigration lawyer. |
MORI ROTHHORN
VIOLINIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Mori Rothhorn has been active throughout high school across a variety of areas. She ran Cross Country and Track all four years of high school, and attributes running to meeting her closest friends. She was also involved in student and social justice issues as the student representative on the East Lansing Mental Health Advisory Committee, and founder and president of Students for Body Image Support club. In order to share her music with others she also volunteered as the President of the Michigan Chapter of GMP President's Volunteer Service Award. She hopes to pursue a career researching Neuroscience in college and through her research hopes to pioneer new techniques within the field of music therapy. She would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for helping her grow into who she is today.
Bio
Mori Rothhorn has been active throughout high school across a variety of areas. She ran Cross Country and Track all four years of high school, and attributes running to meeting her closest friends. She was also involved in student and social justice issues as the student representative on the East Lansing Mental Health Advisory Committee, and founder and president of Students for Body Image Support club. In order to share her music with others she also volunteered as the President of the Michigan Chapter of GMP President's Volunteer Service Award. She hopes to pursue a career researching Neuroscience in college and through her research hopes to pioneer new techniques within the field of music therapy. She would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for helping her grow into who she is today.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? The Chicago trip.
What was your favorite or most memorable concert? I really liked our collage concert freshmen year.
Is there anything else you want to share? No |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? Jinyoung's senior solo piece. What are your plans for next year? Majoring in Neuroscience at U of M. |
EMMARAE VANDERBUSH
VIOLINIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
Bio
Emmarae is an 18 year old senior violinist in Symphonic Orchestra.
Bio
Emmarae is an 18 year old senior violinist in Symphonic Orchestra.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? My favorite orchestra memory was when we went to the Cleveland museum of art as a program and when we played in the Chicago Field Museum. I'd also like to include anytime Rosin made Jonah Caldwell and I burst out laughing. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? The Interstellar concert, and all of our collage concerts Is there anything else you want to share? I owe this program so much for all of the memories I've made over the past 7 years. I found my best friends and have so many memories to share with them. Orchestra means so much to me and it was such a great artistic outlet. I'm going to try to find other orchestra's but nothing will compare to East Lansing's, Rosin's tangents and all. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? Definitely Interstellar. What are your plans for next year? I plan on studying Information Sciences and Technology, at Pennsylvania State University. I will continue playing rugby for Penn State, and hopefully continue playing music. |
LAINY O'NEAL
VIOLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
LAINY O'NEAL
VIOLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Lainy has been playing viola for 8 years. She is first stand in both Encore and Chamber orchestra. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunities that the music department at East Lansing has provided her. When she is not in orchestra she can be found next door in the band room where she plays Bari Sax in Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. She was also Drum Major of the marching band. She also joined Mid Michigan Youth Symphony this year. As well as is a member of Vivace strings.
Lainy has been playing viola for 8 years. She is first stand in both Encore and Chamber orchestra. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunities that the music department at East Lansing has provided her. When she is not in orchestra she can be found next door in the band room where she plays Bari Sax in Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. She was also Drum Major of the marching band. She also joined Mid Michigan Youth Symphony this year. As well as is a member of Vivace strings.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? My favorite experience in orchestra is the Mark Wood concert and all the excitement that came with it. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? The MMC concert that Encore played my freshman year. It was a huge concert hall to play in especially as a freshman.
Is there anything else you want to share? I want to thank both Mr Rosin and Mr L for all the opportunities and experience they have given me. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? My favorite piece of music we have played has been the Star Wars finale from College in 2019 because it was so many people playing all together. What are your plans for next year? I plan on going to Central Michigan University majoring in Communication sciences and disorders and minoring in ASL. I plan on join the Marching Band in the fall and playing in orchestra in the spring. |
REESE SKIDMORE
VIOLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Reese Skidmore is a member of both NHS and National Honors Art Society. He has played viola since he was eight years old and has been a member of the East Lansing Orchestra for three years. He also received several awards from both district and state solo and ensemble performances. Reese really enjoys art and music and plans to use both of them as he steps into the future.
Reese Skidmore is a member of both NHS and National Honors Art Society. He has played viola since he was eight years old and has been a member of the East Lansing Orchestra for three years. He also received several awards from both district and state solo and ensemble performances. Reese really enjoys art and music and plans to use both of them as he steps into the future.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? My sophomore year was basically the last year we got to do collage before COVID-19 happened and I think that was my favorite memory. My friend did my face so that I looked like Darth Maul for the performances and it scared everyone who looked at it.
What was your favorite or most memorable concert? Either Collage my sophomore year or year The concert with Mark Wood |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? I’m really excited to play New World by Dvorak.
What are your plans for next year? I’m either going to attend MSU or start off at LCC next year. |
Is there anything else you want to share?
Nope.
Is there anything else you want to share?
Nope.
ELISABETH BEER
CELLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Elisabeth Beer has been in Symphonic and Encore orchestra for all 4 years of high school while also participating in athletics and other extracurricular activities. She has run cross country and track since her Freshman year. She also has participated in Model U.N. since Sophomore year, winning second honors at her first Canadian American Security Councils while representing the delegation of Sweden in the European Union. During her Junior Year she had an internship with the Michigan Democrats and participated in the Congress-Bundestag Virtual Youth Exchange. She was elected to the student council as school board representative her senior year and as Co-President for model U.N.. She is planning on taking a gap year and living with her aunt and cousins in London before going to college to study international relations, journalism and/or creative writing. She would like to thank her wonderful teachers, friends, and family for helping her have a great 4 years.
Elisabeth Beer has been in Symphonic and Encore orchestra for all 4 years of high school while also participating in athletics and other extracurricular activities. She has run cross country and track since her Freshman year. She also has participated in Model U.N. since Sophomore year, winning second honors at her first Canadian American Security Councils while representing the delegation of Sweden in the European Union. During her Junior Year she had an internship with the Michigan Democrats and participated in the Congress-Bundestag Virtual Youth Exchange. She was elected to the student council as school board representative her senior year and as Co-President for model U.N.. She is planning on taking a gap year and living with her aunt and cousins in London before going to college to study international relations, journalism and/or creative writing. She would like to thank her wonderful teachers, friends, and family for helping her have a great 4 years.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? Going to MMC as a freshman and having the banquet in grand rapids. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? Red Rhythmico- By Kirt Mosier |
What was your favorite or most memorable concert? The Senior Solo concert. |
What are your plans for next year? Living in London for a year with my aunt and cousins working as a nanny. |
Is there anything else you want to share?
Nope.
EVAN SUNDERMANN
BASSIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
Bio
I have been in the Orchestra since the 6th grade playing the Double Bass. Orchestra has been a class filled with amazing experiences that I have enjoyed over the years. Mr. Rosin has been a fantastic teacher over the years and has done an amazing job making not just me a better musician, but the entire orchestra.
I have been in the Orchestra since the 6th grade playing the Double Bass. Orchestra has been a class filled with amazing experiences that I have enjoyed over the years. Mr. Rosin has been a fantastic teacher over the years and has done an amazing job making not just me a better musician, but the entire orchestra.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? The trip to Cleveland was probably my favorite memory. It was a lot of fun and the last trip we went on as a class. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? When we played music from the movie Interstellar and had a student set up clips from the movie to go along with it. |
What was your favorite or most memorable concert? The Mark Wood concert because of how different and exciting it was.
Is there anything else you want to share? I just want to say thank you to Mr. Rosin for everything he has done and for all of the friends I have in Orchestra! |
What are your plans for next year? I plan on attending Grand Valley State University. I have not decided on a major, but while I am there I will be continuing my football career. |
JONAH CALDWELL
VIOLINIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
Bio
Jonah Caldwell has been in orchestra since 6th grade. He’s a violinist that will be attending Lawrence Technological University as a soccer player entering in the engineering field. He’s very grateful for his experiences all throughout middle school and high school in orchestra class.
Jonah Caldwell has been in orchestra since 6th grade. He’s a violinist that will be attending Lawrence Technological University as a soccer player entering in the engineering field. He’s very grateful for his experiences all throughout middle school and high school in orchestra class.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? Playing with Mark Wood. His solo before our last song was very unexpected but very cool.
What was your favorite or most memorable concert? Mark Wood concert |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? Pagodas.
What are your plans for next year? Attending Lawrence Tech University to play soccer and study Civil or Architectural Engineering. |
Is there anything else you want to share?
Mr. Rosin is the GOAT.
Is there anything else you want to share?
Mr. Rosin is the GOAT.
DRAKE HOWARD
VIOLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
DRAKE HOWARD
VIOLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Drake was first inspired to play the viola in 5th grade after hearing Mr. Rosin say that "nobody wanted to play it." He went on to spend the next 7 years of middle and high school being what few others dared to be — a violist. Now first chair in both Symphonic Orchestra and Encore Strings as well as a member of the volunteer group Vivace Strings, he has enjoyed every moment he's been playing music, and hopes to keep on playing as long as he can! Outside of orchestra, Drake is the secretary of the Tabletop Games club, and has been a member of the Model UN, NHS, and Alliance clubs. He also enjoys acting and played the role of Jean-Michel in ELHS's spring musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. He is learning French and Japanese, and is also studying a few other languages for fun; he's excited to learn even more about how language works in college!
Bio
Drake was first inspired to play the viola in 5th grade after hearing Mr. Rosin say that "nobody wanted to play it." He went on to spend the next 7 years of middle and high school being what few others dared to be — a violist. Now first chair in both Symphonic Orchestra and Encore Strings as well as a member of the volunteer group Vivace Strings, he has enjoyed every moment he's been playing music, and hopes to keep on playing as long as he can! Outside of orchestra, Drake is the secretary of the Tabletop Games club, and has been a member of the Model UN, NHS, and Alliance clubs. He also enjoys acting and played the role of Jean-Michel in ELHS's spring musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. He is learning French and Japanese, and is also studying a few other languages for fun; he's excited to learn even more about how language works in college!
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? So hard to pick just one... The Chicago and Pittsburgh trips were super fun, and of course MMC was such a cool thing to get to play at with Encore Strings my freshman year!
What was your favorite or most memorable concert? Definitely the one where Mr. Rosin had to stop us in the middle of Harry Potter 😅 |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? I really love Dvorak's New World Symphony. The Mendelssohn Violin Concerto was also really beautiful!
What are your plans for next year? I will be attending MSU and intend to major in Linguistics! I haven't quite decided what to minor in yet, but it'll probably be something along the lines of French, Japanese, or Education. |
Is there anything else you want to share?
Thank you to Mr. Rosin for inspiring me to play and supporting my musical development over all these years! Thank you as well to Lauren Hansen for helping me hone my technique as my viola teacher for so long, and to all my friends in the orchestra and my family for being there and supporting me!
MACCO PEMBA
VIOLINIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
Bio
My name is Macconel Pemba. Iv been part of the East Lansing High School Orchestra program for 6 years. Having Mr. Rosin as a teacher for this long was absolutely amazing. I will surely miss being in this environment everyday.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? My #1 favorite memory from my 6 years in East Lansing Orchestra would have to be the Chicago trip. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? Our last Festival Rondo |
What was your favorite or most memorable concert? Sahara Crossing and Ashoken Farewell
Is there anything else you want to share? Nope. |
What are your plans for next year? Go to Bradley Uni. or Cornerstone Uni. for Nursing |
IYANA COATES
VIOLINIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
Bio
Iyana is a 17 year old violinist in the ELHS Symphonic Orchestra. She started playing the violin in 6th grade when there was the option to enter the music program at Macdonald Middle School. She plans to continue enjoying the music world in college and hopefully beyond. Through this course and with this interest shared in common with several friends, she has acquired an interest in many more instruments as well.
Iyana is a 17 year old violinist in the ELHS Symphonic Orchestra. She started playing the violin in 6th grade when there was the option to enter the music program at Macdonald Middle School. She plans to continue enjoying the music world in college and hopefully beyond. Through this course and with this interest shared in common with several friends, she has acquired an interest in many more instruments as well.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? My favorite orchestra memory so far has been collage concert nights, as well as the 2 trips I have taken throughout my years with the orchestra. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? All the Collage concerts in general.
Is there anything else you want to share? Thank you for an amazing 7 years, you will be missed Mr. Rosin! |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? A Festival Rondo, that'll always be my favorite piece. What are your plans for next year? After high school, Iyana will be taking her academic and athletic talents to Wayne State University. She be majoring in Business and minoring in communications/journalism. She is excited to see what the future holds and also ready for new beginnings and challenges! |