Starting at the age of five, senior Sophie Allen developed a love for music. 

In school, she participates in band, chorus, orchestra and marching band. Her active participation doesn’t just end in school, as she is also part of the Marywood String Ensemble, Pocono Youth Orchestra, and she’s joining another program this year.

She doesn’t just play the violin– she also plays the French horn, which she started in fourth grade. Despite playing both, she believes she’s more disciplined in violin but has an equal appreciation for both.

Because of all she is involved in through school and outside of school, she practices for anywhere from one to two hours a day.

She also plans to pursue a career in music education.

“It showed me that work needs to be done if you want favorable results, more time management and discipline,” Sophie said. 

Her favorite pieces to play are more classical pieces. For auditions, she likes to play Mozart and Bach.

She would tell those who are debating joining musical groups or quitting musical groups, she believes even if you do not immediately see results that good things come with practice.

“Find what you like. Hard work pays off, even if nothing is happening right now, things will work out,” Sophie said.