Orchestra String Seniors 2023:
Johnny Bonnell (cello), Casey Cortright (violin), Mikaylynn Crow (violin), Tyrah Daniel (violin), Johnny Danziger (cello), Jacob Dembski (cello), Will Erickson (viola), Graham Flynn (cello), Vaughn Jarvi (viola), Joshua Johnson (violin), Donald Keough (violin) , Michael Kovalchick (bass), Patrick Layman (viola), Waleed Mahmood (violin), Kate McAndrews (violin), Meera Schenker (violin), Han Troung (violin), Emily Walters (violin)
Johnny Bonnell (cello), Casey Cortright (violin), Mikaylynn Crow (violin), Tyrah Daniel (violin), Johnny Danziger (cello), Jacob Dembski (cello), Will Erickson (viola), Graham Flynn (cello), Vaughn Jarvi (viola), Joshua Johnson (violin), Donald Keough (violin) , Michael Kovalchick (bass), Patrick Layman (viola), Waleed Mahmood (violin), Kate McAndrews (violin), Meera Schenker (violin), Han Troung (violin), Emily Walters (violin)
MEERA SCHENKER,
VIOLINST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, CONCERTMASTER- ENCORE STRINGS
VIOLINST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, CONCERTMASTER- ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Meera has played the violin since she was nine years old and joined the East Lansing orchestra program in seventh grade. This year she performs in Symphonic Orchestra, is the concertmaster of Encore Strings, and the second-semester concertmaster of the Mid-Michigan Youth Symphony. Meera also volunteers with Vivace Strings and has played in the pit orchestra. Alongside orchestra activities she is treasurer of Science Olympiad, a member of NHS, and has been a Girl Scout for ten years. She hopes to continue her passion for music in college.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? The Washington DC trip. We got to perform outside and had the chance to explore DC while having fun with our friends. Plus, the weather was beautiful (on the last day) and there were cherry blossom trees! What was your favorite or most memorable concert? Senior Solo is definitely up there— I'll always remember the exhilaration of playing alongside the orchestra. Performing the Star Wars finale with everyone stuffed on stage for freshman year Collage was also memorable. Is there anything else you want to share? I'd like to thank Mr. Rosin for being a fantastic orchestra instructor, my violin teacher Pat Laurence for pushing me to do my best, and my family and friends for all their support. I've had so much fun in the program all these years. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? Dvorak's New World Symphony OR Sibelius (we haven't actually performed it yet). What are your plans for next year? I plan to attend the University of Michigan majoring in Earth and Environmental Sciences and minoring in music. |
JOSHUA JOHNSON
VIOLINST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Josh has been playing piano since he was 7 and violin since he was 11. He joined the ELHS orchestra program in 9th grade and has also played in Mid Michigan Youth Symphony, Encore Strings, and Vivace Strings. He has had two original works performed by the high school orchestra, Winter Carnival and Violet Gold. Outside of music, he participates in Science Olympiad, Chess Club, CSU, and Composition Society.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? I think my favorite thing has been the Washington DC trip. It was just so fun to see all the museums and play Wii bowling at the end of the night. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? I'll never forget the end of last year's MMYS concert. We played the 4th movement of Shostakovich's 5th symphony which has an ending that seems to drag on forever! It feels like I'm still playing those eighth notes. Is there anything else you want to share? Thanks to Mr. Rosin for making my orchestra experience a blast, even through COVID! |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? I'd say Violet Gold; it was a really hard piece, but it was a lot of fun to watch it all come together. What are your plans for next year? I'll be attending the University of Chicago and probably majoring in math or physics. Most likely, I'll minor in music. |
JOHNNY DANZIGER
CELLIST- ENCORE STRINGS
TROMBONE - SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, WIND ENSEMBLE, JAZZ BAND
Bio
Johnny Danziger has been playing cello for East Lansing since 6th grade. He has been involved in band and orchestra at ELHS his freshman year joining marching band. Also doing jazz band, pit orchestra, encore strings, wind ensemble and symphonic orchestra. He also is apart of groups outside ELHS like the mid Michigan youth symphony and the Spartan Youth Wind Symphony. Next year he will be attending Michigan State studying music education, he will also be in the Spartan Marching Band.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? 7th Grade Chicago trip, all the places we went and saw. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? Collage concert 2019 |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? Almost Home (I’m biased) What are your plans for next year? Attend the MSU college of music for Music Ed. and possibly composition. |
Is there anything else you want to share?
Nope
JOHNNY BONNELL
CELLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
Bio
Johnny Bonnell has been playing the cello for six years, performing in Symphonic Orchestra, Encore Strings, and the Mid Michigan Youth Symphony. During high school he participated in Science Olympiad, the National Honor Society, and Christian Student Union, among other clubs. In his free time Johnny enjoys making music, reading, playing word games, and spending quality time with friends.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? I have two favorite orchestra memories. The first is the unplanned sessions we had before concerts jamming to the music we had memorized. The second was the many times that Mr. Rosin would tell one funny story after another until we forgot what his original point was. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? Some of my favorite memories are from going on the Encore tour as a freshman and getting to spend time with seniors I looked up to, then getting to go as a senior one final time. Is there anything else you want to share? I would like to send a special thanks to my family for always supporting me: thank you Dad, Mom, Mary, and Sally. I would like to thank my past teachers Mrs. Sherman and Mr. Tressel, for helping me build a strong foundation in cello, and current teacher Sandro Sidamonidze for always teaching me with passion for playing. Last, and most importantly, the biggest thank you of all goes to Mr. Rosin. Thank you for being such a positive influence on me throughout my entire middle and high school journey. Thank you for letting us play “real” music, famous and challenging compositions by well-known composers. And thank you for never throwing your baton at me. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? I really enjoyed the Star Wars medley we performed as the Collage finale during freshman year. I also really enjoyed playing the Dvořák new world finale. What are your plans for next year? Next year I will be majoring in engineering at the University of Michigan, with a minor in music. I plan to continue to play cello in the campus orchestra. |
JACOB DEMBSKI
CELLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
Bio
Jacob started with the cello in 6th grade and played in the East Lansing orchestras ever since. The cello has always been a mainstay throughout the hectic years of sports, friends, and lots of school creating the person he is today. Though not something he looks to pursue as a lifestyle this is a hobby that will not soon be lost.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? The spring concert of 22 was one to remember with Dvorak and how to train your dragon being two of my favorite pieces that we’ve ever played and having it be close to the kick off of that summer that concert was a great night filled with even better music. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? That 2022 spring concert will always stand above any other and possible the best memory I’ve had through high school overall. A close second is the collage of my freshman year 2019 with Star Wars and having the first real time having a massive combined pieces with symphonic and having the band in as well and even the choir, that concert deserves a mention for sure. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? Dvorak though Sibelius this year comes very close. What are your plans for next year? Next year I will be attending Michigan state majoring in environmental sustainability. |
Is there anything else you want to share?
Thank you Mr.Rosin for seven whole years of teaching me this life long skill, and creating a calm, fun but serious environment that made every moment so memorable and worthwhile. There’s nothing from high school I’ll miss more.
VAUGHN JARVI
VIOLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Vaughn Jarvi has participated in orchestra since sixth grade, at which time he chose the viola as a medium of-sorts between the "squeaky" violin and the physically imposing cello. Since then, he has enjoyed playing in East Lansing's orchestra ensembles and growing as a musician. His studies have also included summers at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Vaughn also loves jazz music, studies guitar, and has taught himself to play the piano. His favorite classical composers are Tchaikovsky and Bruch; those of jazz are Coltrane and Mingus. Aside from music, Vaughn has a strong interest in film — one which he hopes to pursue in an academic sense in the future. He enjoys watching a variety of works from various time periods and countries, researches criticism, and writes his own. His favorite filmmaker is Robert Bresson. Vaughn has also participated in National Honor Society and Quiz Bowl at East Lansing, and works part-time. He was recently recognized as a National Merit Scholarship finalist.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? I very much enjoyed our trip to Washington D.C. — it was such fun, and I loved all of the experiences and memories we were afforded. In particular, hearing the National Symphony Orchestra perform Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 was incredible. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? My favorite of our performances was last year's Senior Solo recital; similarly, this year's was the most memorable. Is there anything else you want to share? I wish to thank Mr. Rosin for the care which he gives to our ensembles, for all of the guidance and encouragement he has given me over the years, and for letting me use the practice rooms during lunch as often as I liked. I also wish to thank Ms. Lauren Hansen for her instruction, and for the ways in which she has helped me to grow as a musician. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? The first movement of Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 was easily my favorite of our performed pieces. What are your plans for next year? I will be attending the University of Chicago, and hope to study film criticism and theory or English. Though I may not major in music, I hope to be able to play in the University Symphony Orchestra so as to continue to enjoy the benefits of playing in an ensemble. |
KATE MCANDREWS
VIOLINIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Kate McAndrews has played the violin since second grade and participated in the ELPS Orchestra for 7 years. She has been a member of the Symphonic Orchestra, Encore, CSU and Model UN for all four years of high school. Kate was a member of the volleyball team her freshman year and ran cross country her senior year of high school. She has always enjoyed fine arts, including painting and creative writing, and hopes to use those creative outlets as she pursues a career in Social Work or Human Services.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? My favorite orchestra memory & experience was the Chicago trip in seventh grade, especially the street performers with everyone and all the kids in our grade getting involved. The DC trip this Spring Break was very special as well as it was a super cool trip all together before graduation. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? My most memorable concert was my first one. I was in 6th grade but playing in the grade above because I had been playing for a few years already. I had to drag a chair across the front of the entire stage while the audience watched in dead silence and I was wearing a huge tutu skirt I thought was the coolest in sixth grade, and it was hilariously embarrassing. That was also the concert where we had to stop and restart the Harry Potter piece because we messed it up so bad. Also when I was playing the electric violin alongside Mark Wood at the Electrify Your Strings Spotlight Tour in April 2022. It was such an exciting experience like no other concert we've ever played! |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? My favorite musical pieces are tied three ways between Pirates of the Caribbean, Gaelic Roots, and How to Train Your Dragon. What are your plans for next year? I am attending Hope College in Holland, MI to study Social Work. Is there anything else you want to share? Nope |
GRAHAM FLYNN
CELLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Graham started playing cello in 5th grade after he got tired of playing piano and hasn’t looked back since! His dad, who also played cello in the ELHS orchestra, was always playing it and made Graham initially fall in love with the instrument. Throughout high school, he’s played in the Symphonic Orchestra, Encore Strings, MMYS, Pit Orchestra, and attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp multiple summers. Outside of cello, Graham leads the ELHS Science Olympiad Club and the Christian Student Union, while participating in Chess Club, NHS, and occasionally Composition Society.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? Either playing Wii Sports really late on the DC trip with friends or Mr. Rosin rants that always keep orchestra entertaining. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? It would have to be either this year's or last year’s senior solo concert. It was super fun to perform in this year’s and be accompanied by the orchestra. Last year was also great, with amazing music, but my bow broke in half completely unexpectedly during the middle of a piece to my horror. I don’t think I’ll forget that anytime soon! Is there anything else you want to share? Thank you Mr. Rosin for caring so much about our musical abilities and pushing us to excel, but also caring about who we are as people. I’ve made so many great memories through this class, and it helped form me into the musician I am today. I’ll miss all the tangents and stories, but look forward to coming back and hearing the orchestra when I’m in town! I know it’ll sound great with you leading it! |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? The entire original Star Wars soundtrack freshman year for collage, or the 4th movement of Dvorak’s New World Symphony What are your plans for next year? I plan on attending Wheaton College next year to pursue a biology major! Although not majoring in music, I hope to continue playing cello in the college orchestra and wherever else I can! |
EMILY WALTERS
VIOLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ELSINGERS
Bio
Emily Walters has been playing violin in the East Lansing orchestra for 6 years, prior to that she took Suzuki violin lessons at Community Music School. Music and the other fine arts have played a vital role in Emily’s life. In high school she discovered a passion for theatre and singing and is going to pursue that at college, as a musical theatre major.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? I loved when Mr. Rosin would share stories from his young life, or stories about his gigs they're always so interesting and funny. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? In Collage freshman year (2019) when Mr. Rosin was conducting so vigorously his baton flew out of his hands and landed on the stage and he just picked another one off the stand and continued conducting but the whole orchestra was laughing while we were playing. Is there anything else you want to share? No |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? I, of course love 'A Festival Rondo', but my other two standout pieces were 'America' from West Side Story and the 'Firebird Suite: Berceuse and Finale.' What are your plans for next year? I'm still deciding between two colleges, but I am going to pursue a BFA in musical theatre at either Columbia College or Temple University. |
PATRICK LAYMAN
VIOLIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Patrick has played the viola for 7 years. He has enjoyed the tightly-knit culture of the small viola sections over the years and the uniqueness of violas overall. He followed behind his older sister who picked up the violin two years prior to him. He has played in chamber orchestra, symphonic, and encore strings throughout high school.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? The trip to Chicago in 7th grade, it was my first trip and it was filled with a lot of unique experiences. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? Most memorable: Mark Wood concert, joyful and the first full concert with no covid restrictions Favorite: Collage concert with Star Wars Is there anything else you want to share? I would like to thank Mr. Rosin and the EL music program for the opportunities and experiences given to me. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? Sentimental Sarabande, the time and care we put into perfecting that piece is like nothing I have ever done before. My shoulder hurt a lot but it was worth it What are your plans for next year? Attend Michigan State to study kinesiology |
MICHAEL KOVALCHICK
DOUBLE BASSIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS, JAZZ BAND I
Bio
Michael started playing the bass in 6th grade. He has played in all the Orchestra's along with Jazz Band and Pit Orchestra. Michael always had a love for music but he didn't find his love for classical music was until he started playing in orchestra.
Michael started playing the bass in 6th grade. He has played in all the Orchestra's along with Jazz Band and Pit Orchestra. Michael always had a love for music but he didn't find his love for classical music was until he started playing in orchestra.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? All the crazy stories Rosin tell us during class. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? Either Orange Jam or the finale from Dvorak New World symphony. |
What was your favorite or most memorable concert?
The spring concert my junior year. |
What are your plans for next year? I plan on attending Ferris State University and major in construction management. |
Is there anything else you want to share?
Nope
Nope
HAN TRUONG
VIOLIN- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Han Truong has been involved in the fine arts and a variety of clubs throughout high school. She started playing the violin in 8th grade and is currently a part of Symphonic Orchestra and Encore Strings. In her junior year, she joined Pit orchestra for the school’s production of Cinderella. In addition to her music activities, Han held prominent leadership positions, serving as the president of Students for Females in STEM, Asian Student Union, and Students for Body Image Support, while also working as the publicist for Science Olympiad. Outside of school, she is associated with MSU research involving nuclear physics with the PING program and a biomolecular engineering lab called ABEL. During her free time, she enjoys dressing up for photoshoots, drawing, and dining out with her friends.
Han Truong has been involved in the fine arts and a variety of clubs throughout high school. She started playing the violin in 8th grade and is currently a part of Symphonic Orchestra and Encore Strings. In her junior year, she joined Pit orchestra for the school’s production of Cinderella. In addition to her music activities, Han held prominent leadership positions, serving as the president of Students for Females in STEM, Asian Student Union, and Students for Body Image Support, while also working as the publicist for Science Olympiad. Outside of school, she is associated with MSU research involving nuclear physics with the PING program and a biomolecular engineering lab called ABEL. During her free time, she enjoys dressing up for photoshoots, drawing, and dining out with her friends.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? I loved the Washington DC trip. It was a fun time to get to know the people who I don’t usually talk to as much outside of school. I also found it funny when Eric purchased five stuffed pandas as souvenirs and named each of them after a member of our Asian Student Union board. He deserves the title of ASU Vice President Elite. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? A moment I will never forget is collage in freshmen year. I was in chamber orchestra at the time and I had been playing the violin for only a year and a half. After Encore had finished their performance, our orchestra was directed to fill the seats on stage to form a full orchestra. My friends in Encore invited me to sit next to them at the very front of the stage. Nervously, I made my way to the front, unfortunately abandoning my stand partner (sorry Josh...). I sat down next to a group of talented seniors and we played the Star Wars medley. For the Imperial March, the musicians around me played with such intensity that I could hardly hear my own violin. During the finale, I vividly remember the seniors swaying and performing with pure passion. I remember feeling so out of place but I embraced the moment and synchronized my breathing with theirs, swaying with the music. This experience was unlike any other performance I had played in at the time, and it felt completely new to me. I believe this was the moment when I truly fell in love with performing with the orchestra. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? Danse Macabre in freshmen year with combined Chamber and Symphonic orchestras. What are your plans for next year? I plan to major in Chemical Engineering with a focus on bioengineering and join a research lab to continue studying circular RNA in college. Additionally, I plan to participate in an internship during the summer and carry it over into my college year. Is there anything else you want to share?
I would like to express my gratitude to my friends for patiently being my violin teachers. Despite starting in orchestra with no music knowledge at all, my past self had a strong drive to practice the violin, and I am grateful for that. I would like to extend a special thanks to Josh for transcribing random songs I found online for me. I also appreciate the support of my non-musician friends, who show up to my concerts with bouquets of flowers. Finally, I want to thank my family for their unwavering support, and specifically my uncle for buying me a violin in the first place and attending every concert. |
Donald Keough
VIOLINIST- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA, ENCORE STRINGS
Bio
Hey, I'm Donald! I played the violin the orchestra all seven years, and it's been amazing. I enjoy playing music everyday and plan to keep playing in college. Outside of orchestra, I love to swim, write and edit for my school publication, and thrifting.
Hey, I'm Donald! I played the violin the orchestra all seven years, and it's been amazing. I enjoy playing music everyday and plan to keep playing in college. Outside of orchestra, I love to swim, write and edit for my school publication, and thrifting.
What was your favorite orchestra memory/ experience? My favorite orchestra memory was playing for the elementary schools with Encore and seeing my old teachers. What was your favorite or most memorable concert? My favorite concert was the Mark Wood concert. I loved the high energy and getting the chance to play the electric violin. Is there anything else you want to share? Special thanks to my parents for supporting my musical endeavors and Mr. Rosin for all the funny stories and inspiring me to start collecting watches. |
What was your favorite piece of music that we performed? My favorite piece that we've performed is the movie soundtrack from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. What are your plans for next year? I'm committed to Denison University in Granville Ohio, and I'm planning on majoring in Physics and minoring in Journalism. |