The bow moves up and down the strings on the violin as it resonates its sound throughout the room. Tessa Sims, a sophomore at Oviedo High School, strives to build themselves into the orchestra world just like a musical number. 

For many years now, Sims has been practicing to one day achieve a spot in a professional orchestra. Around the start of sixth grade, Sims was inspired by their mom, who played the viola, to get into the fine instrument, the violin, as both were very similar. 

“I’ve been playing the violin for about five and a half years, I started the summer before middle school. My mom used to play the viola, so I knew she wanted me to play something similar, and my school had an orchestra,” said Sims.

Before the violin was an idea, Tessa really enjoyed the piano and got into it for a little bit before their place was better off with the violin. Having experience with any past instrument while trying to learn a new one is crucial, as all share similar factors with tempo, movement, and control. 

Not only can an instrument be used to express talent, but it’s a way of self-regulation, because it is vital to learn everything orderly to master such a difficult task. 

“Although I don’t have orchestra as a class anymore, I feel that playing an instrument makes me more disciplined.”

Lamenting the lacking musical condition Oviedo High school is in, Sims makes an effort to take advantage of any opportunities that can be found.

“Unfortunately, our school doesn’t have an orchestra and I’m unable to join any of the orchestras in our area right now. I will be playing my violin in a group for Beta Club Convention, though!” said Tessa Sims.

 Sims has so much potential to get where they want to in the position of a violinist, and the dream is enormous. The only thing to do is practice and improve every day. After all this hard work, Tessa Sims will be standing on stage in their own professional orchestra.