Samo orchestra students win music scholarship
By Jadyn Miyahira, Staff Writer
Although live auditions were not permitted, COVID-19 didn’t stop the Westside Committee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from holding their annual scholarship competition, where young musicians can win up to $1000. Students were required to submit a recording of a classical piece and an essay explaining why they deserve recognition. Four Samo students were awarded this prestigious scholarship, which they can use for things such as lessons, instruments or sheet music.
Chloe Schwartz (’22)
Chloe Schwartz (’22), a violinist in the Symphony and Chamber orchestras at Samo, applied for the Westside Scholarship Foundation hoping to boost her college resume for music schools next year.
When the good news came back, Schwartz was elated to know that she had received funds for a new violin and had networked with people who could help further her musical career. While she is still keeping her options open, Schwartz knows that music will always be in her life; she is planning on pursuing music right after high school, but is considering law or business school after that.
“I plan to do the whole audition process for college. It’s hard to picture a life without music, but in the same sense, it’s hard to picture a life with only music,” Schwartz said.
Persisting through the pandemic, Schwartz has found that surrounding herself with other passionate musicians, including her teacher and Samo peers, has kept her moving forward. Not only that, but she expressed that the orchestra directors at Samo are doing an incredible job under the circumstances.
“Mr. Aiello and Mr. Wang have been super incredibly thoughtful about everything and it's been amazing how they've been asking for their students’ input. I think that's been great,” Schwartz said.
Cassidy Walther (’24)
Samo Symphony cellist Cassidy Walther (’24) applied for the Westside Committee scholarship in hopes of gaining some financial support for her musical career. Upon the news of her winnings, she was overcome with gratitude and happiness.
Due to the stresses of the pandemic, Walther was beginning to grow guilty of the costs required for her music lessons, supplies and even the instrument itself. She saw this scholarship as an opportunity to gain support in those areas.
“I tend to apply for as many scholarships and competitions as possible, and I’m really grateful to have gotten this one. I was also just thinking ‘why not’, it didn’t require much effort or an application fee,” Walther said.
Walther has grown to adore the cello because of how unique its sound and repertoire are. While she doesn’t currently plan to pursue music in college, Walther has still maintained a strong passion for her instrument. It has been something that has kept her driven during her year of isolation.
“I love it. It’s sort of an escape for me. It’s not really an obligation,” Walther said.
Raeva Vasisht (’23)
Like many musicians, french hornist Raeva Vasisht (’23) felt that her musical studies severely collided with COVID-19. However, the Westside Committee scholarship gave her a goal to work towards and an opportunity to reconnect with her instrument.
In fourth grade, Vasisht made her commitment to the french horn. She indicated that she loves it not only because of its sound, but because it has also introduced her to a whole community of people.
“Some of my closest friends are in my section. With orchestra and band as a whole, the community is just such an experience and such a family,” Vasisht said.
One of her greatest french horn influences is Robert Lee Watt, the first Black french horn player in a major American orchestra; he played for the LA Philharmonic for 37 years. When he reached out to her after listening to her application recording, Vasisht was absolutely stunned.
“The part that really sent me over the top with happiness was the fact that my french horn idol was the one who judged the recording and had liked my sound, which was so assuring since I had lost some love for the horn throughout quarantine,” Vasisht said.
Daniella Zhou (’22)
Violinist Daniella Zhou (’22) applied for the Westside Scholarship, craving the chance to share her music after more than a year of isolation. Even without the scholarship, she mentioned, it was a great opportunity to perform again.
Zhou first became aware of the scholarship because of her brother’s participation in it previously. He has been a big inspiration to her musical studies as she watched him improve as a multi-instrumentalist. This encouraged her to do the same with violin.
“He worked so hard and he did piano and viola all through high school. Even though he started viola pretty late, he was able to progress with it so much and keep his piano skill really high, and I thought that was so amazing,” Zhou said.
Despite the turmoil that the music community has faced, Zhou acknowledged that attending in-person rehearsals for Samo’s Chamber orchestra have been notably touching. While she doesn’t plan on pursuing music in college, she expressed her gratitude for the community that music has brought her.
“What I love most is being able to play in orchestra and bringing a community together with music. The best part about the violin is definitely making friends through orchestra and playing together,” Zhou said.
