From freshman to junior year, I led an ensemble in the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra program, a premier orchestral training program that promotes continued development of individual instrumental skills, while introducing students to the joys of ensemble playing and serving the community. As the principal player, I learned what it meant to lead the whole orchestra. I was responsible for coordinating the strings, communicating with other section leaders and the conductor, demonstrations, tuning the orchestra, and more. But most importantly, this position taught me to set a good example of musicianship and leadership for both the conductor and ensemble during both rehearsals and performances. This musical experience taught me the importance
