One of the many lessons kids learn growing up is to learn commitment. Kids tend to get bored of certain activities, and end up quitting or dropping them after a couple years. This is no issue for senior Daniel Larson, who has been able to maintain his love for orchestra for all these years.

“Orchestra is just a useful base to have and could offer a lot in college and later in life,” Larson said. “Also both the teachers and being surrounded by music is an amazing feeling.”

Larson began his orchestra career on the violin at Shenandoah Valley Elementary in third grade. It was in fourth grade that he switched over to the viola, which he has been playing ever since. Ever since then, he’s spent countless hours of everyday practicing his form and learning to memorize notes. Not only has Larson been able to commit himself to orchestra for all of these years, but he decided to take it to the next level in his last year at Parkway Central.

“Second hour I’m basically taking an independent study with the orchestra but with music theory,” Larson said. “My plan is to eventually conduct the orchestra, but most of my days are spent practicing music theory and helping out around the class by tuning some of the younger guys.”