Student Spotlight: Julia Simpson

Since so many wonderfully talented students visit the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center each day, we wanted to profile just a few of this artistic bunch. Our first student spotlight features Julia Simpson, a Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra student from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

How many years have you been playing oboe? Violin?

I have played oboe for six years and violin for ten.

How many years have you been in MYSO?

I've been in MYSO for 7 years.

How has MYSO played a part in your musical career up to this point?

MYSO has given me so many amazing performance opportunities from side-by-sides with MSO musicians, concerto competitions, chamber ensembles, our upcoming tour to Vienna and Budapest, master classes, and (my favorite part of MYSO) Chamber Orchestra. But most importantly, MYSO has showed me how much fun it is to play! Without MYSO, I wouldn't love playing my instruments as much as I do.

My favorite part of playing an instrument is all of the amazing opportunities I have been able to take part in and all of the fantastic people I have met along the way! Though learning and performing the music is always exciting, the experiences around it all has been such an amazing adventure for me.

How often do you come to the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center?

I am at the Youth Arts Center about 3 days a week. I play in MYSO's Senior Symphony on Monday, the Chamber Orchestra on Wednesday, and rehearse with my Davidson Chamber Ensemble quintet, "Off Topic," on the weekends. When concert times are approaching, I can be there anywhere from 4 to 6 days a week!

What's your experience at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center been like?

My experience at MYAC has always been wonderful. The rehearsal rooms are state-of-the-art and the lobby is as equally great for relaxing and talking to friends during breaks. Seeing the arts at work, all in one building, has always been such an inspiring experience for me. MYAC is like a second home to me!

What's your favorite memory related to the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center?

In February, my school band, the Oconomowoc High School Wind Symphony, used Youth Arts Hall to make recordings to send to the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. Everyone was in awe at how amazing the building was, and I realized how lucky I am to get to play in there every week! It was also fun to give everyone tours of the building.

Has the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center impacted you in any way?

Having such a high quality facility to rehearse in has helped my playing immensely. Using Youth Arts Hall and the other rooms, I have been able to prepare myself to play in venues like the Marcus Center, Shattuck Auditorium, and the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center. MYAC has also provided the space for me to connect with the MYSO program. The friendships and memories I have made at MYAC will stay with me forever!

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