Student of the Month: Bella

We love our students! They inspire us, they challenge us, they make us laugh and smile. But most importantly, they are each wonderful, unique individuals getting ready to go out into the world and make amazing things happen! That’s why we are highlighting one of our amazing students every month.

This month's featured student is extra special. Bella is a graduating senior at Arlington High School, heading off to new adventures this fall!

Bella first began cello lessons in 4th grade. Miss Rachel still recalls that first lesson: a bright orange half-size cello and a 4th grader who spoke and carried herself like an 18 year old. In the eight years that have followed, it has been an absolute joy and honor to watch her grow into a confident young woman. She still carries a vocabulary and wisdom beyond her years, paired with a quick wit and insatiable sense of humor. Bella loves sea shanties and the most brooding, tumultuous cello pieces the Romantic Era has to offer (her interview, below, had us belly-laughing). And she’s a phenomenal artist, too, who will only continue to create amazing things as she begins her studies at SCAD this fall.

Congratulations, Bella!

Q: When did you first get into music?

A: I started piano when I was three, and danced when I was two.

Q: What do you enjoy most about playing music?

A: I think it’s neat, it’s pretty swell.

Q: How does it make you feel?

A. pause..... depends.

Q: Do you have a favorite musical memory?

A: Hearing the 1999 Tarzan Soundtrack by Phil Collins, and that's the only thing I listed to from the ages birth to 7. I highly recommend it. That's my favorite musical memory. It brings me to tears every time I listen to it.

Q: What are some of your favorite pieces that you have learned?

A: The emo ones. Such as the Brahms e Minor Concerto, Elegie by Faure was *fun*, and lately sea shanties.

Q: What are your post-high school plans?

A: Art school at SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design), majoring in illustration. In the future I'd love to be a graphic novel illustrator.

Q: How do you see music playing a role in your life as an adult?

A: I'll be listening to it a bit. Cuz it's good.

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

A: To go fast like Sonic the Hedgehog. It's like teleportation but better, because people will know. And it's like cardio without the effort.

Q: What animal would you be, if you were not a human?

A: A dolphin. They're smarter than us except they don't have to carry the burden of human society.

Q: What’s your favorite color?

A: Blue

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: If I could grow up and be anything, a dolphin!