Amelia Flaming ‘29 is a harpist in Symphony Orchestra, and was accepted into the Iowa All-State Band to play as their harpist as a freshman. She picked up the harp at the age of 5, because as a little kid she was always fascinated with the way the harp sounds. 

“I had a toy that played music from all kinds of instruments and the harp was always my favorite. One random afternoon my mom googled “harp lessons in Iowa City” and I’ve been playing ever since,” Flaming said.

“Harps are rare instruments so I’m often the only harpist. I also played in an orchestra in middle school and was the only harpist, so I’ve gotten used to it by now,” Amelia said, “Even so, it can be nerve-wracking at times because the Symphony Orchestra at City is a lot higher of a level than I’ve played in before. But, I’ve learned so so much from the other students and Ms. Stucky.”
Flaming hopes to continue playing harp in an orchestra or chamber ensemble through college.

“I really enjoy performing and soon I want to start playing in public, whether at a wedding gig or simply playing in a park or on the sidewalk.”

Evan Farley ‘29 is a bassist in both the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Jazz Ensemble. Music is important to Evan because it helps introduce new perspectives through all the different types of music. Philharmonic Orchestra is the highest orchestra a freshman can be in and Jazz Ensemble is the highest of City High’s jazz bands. Just last year the Jazz Ensemble got sixth in the state wide competition. Evan started to play bass in 5th grade and joined the jazz band at Southeast in 7th grade. 

“I didn’t want to play the other instruments, and bass sounded fun,” Evan Farley said, “It’s usually a simple part, so you can listen to the whole ensemble.”

In 8th grade, Evan became more serious about jazz band. Now jazz is the main type of music he listens to. His dad, who played tenor saxophone, also played in jazz bands in high school, and now sends him music for him to listen to 

In addition to music, Evan also participates in cross country. According to Evan this has made the transition into high school easier. Despite being one of a few freshmen in Jazz Ensemble, he already knew many people from cross-country. 

“Jazz band and cross country have strong connections with (the same) people and they are both kind of tough so strong work ethic crosses over,” Evan said.

According to Ms. Stucky one of the things that made Evan stand out was his attitude. Evan explained that it can sometimes be difficult to play bass because they rarely get the melody and there are so few solo pieces made specifically for bass.  This doesn’t stop him from enjoying playing the bass. 

“We won’t get to play together like this again, we only get these four years, so I just try to make it fun,” Evan said.

Sally Owens is the only freshman percussionist in Wind Ensemble. 

“I went to my sister’s concerts, and I saw percussion [players] and I wanted to do that,” Owens said. “I started in fifth grade at the school.”’

Despite being surrounded by older students in Wind Ensemble, she has enjoyed high school band so far.

“Everyone [in Wind Ensemble] has been so nice and welcoming, so I’ve had a great time,” Owens said.  

Besides percussion, Owens has also been playing piano since third grade, which has helped her learn percussion. One of her proudest moments was making SEIBA, and in the future she hopes to get into All-State.

“Having an older sister who’s been through the whole thing has helped me know what to expect and also know what to work for,” she said. “It’s really motivated me.”

Rocco Arnone ‘29 plays the bassoon, trombone, and cello. His first instrument was the cello, which he began playing when he was 3 years old, and has been playing for 10 years since. The next instrument he learned was the trombone, which he has been playing for 3.5 years, and he picked up the bassoon just a little over 2 years ago. 

“For cello, I just kinda wanted to start playing, For bassoon, our 7th grade band needed bassoons so I thought I’d try it out and for trombone I just thought it was cool and started in 5th grade,’ Arnone said. 

Arnone has other musicians in his family which has had an impact on his music, allowing him to get immediate help and guidance, he also enjoys meeting and getting advice from upperclassmen in the music department. Arnone’s main goal is to continue to enjoy music and grow his musical skills. 

“Making wind ensemble freshman year and making all state for cello freshman year,” Arnone said, talking about his proudest accomplishment.