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11/12/2009 3:33 AM

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By Sylvia Cavallo, For the Observer-Reporter, newsroom@observer-reporter.com

This article has been read 147 times.

Bill Galvin might be retired from Trinity High School, but the seeds of musical interest he planted in many of his students continue to blossom.

Ida Cawley, 17, said the opportunity to participate in the 2009 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association's Honors Band Festival is a result of Galvin's encouragement.

"I started out playing the alto saxophone, and Mr. Galvin told me that if I wanted to be in wind ensemble, I should consider learning a new instrument. I chose bassoon because I heard it would be a good instrument to possibly earn a scholarship with," she said. "I might not have made honors band otherwise. There are only about six bassoons needed for a festival like that, which increased my chances."

The junior will join about 120 other students from schools throughout the region for honors band rehearsals at Mt. Lebanon High School. The concert will begin at 4 p.m. Nov. 29 at Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh.

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She said it: "Being chosen for honors band was so exciting, and the audition was a wonderful experience. I love making music with others and hearing all the sounds and talents come together."

Private instruction: Takes bassoon lessons from Hana Lee of Mt. Lebanon and piano lessons from Anne Weber of Washington. "Hana Lee helped me improve my tone on the bassoon considerably," Cawley said. "When I first started playing the bassoon, I was basically self-taught and the transition from a single to a double-reed instrument was frustrating, plus I had to learn a whole new set of fingerings. It took me a while to get the correct embouchure and learn how to use my diaphragm to achieve the right pitch."

Activities: Wind ensemble, marching band and chorus. She also plays guitar for worship teams for several youth groups.

Work ethic: Practices bassoon and piano for one hour each on a daily basis.

Musical goals: To compose a piece for the school's wind ensemble and to audition for the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra next spring.

In the future: To attend a four-year college and major in music, possibly music education. "I decided to pursue music because it is something that I really love, and I realize that it's something that comes easily to me," she said. "I love it and I'm passionate about it."

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1 comments

Way to go Ida!! : 11/12/2009
So thrilled for you, Ida!! Keep up the good work!!!

The Novick's!!

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