Instrument: Cello
School: Brookfield East High School
Next step: Incoming senior
“I wanted to go on the tour to the Czech Republic and Poland to experience the rich musical heritage of these countries and deepen my connection to classical music,” Kyra says. “Sharing our music with international audiences and exploring the cultural roots of many great composers is an incredible opportunity for growth and inspiration.”
She’s especially looking forward to visiting places that inspired composers like Dvořák, and to reflecting on how those places shaped their works.
In addition to performing, Kyra is one of the tour’s student social-media contributors. “I love filming and sharing stories—it’s a way to help others connect with what we’re doing, even if they can’t be there in person,” she says. “I think it helps people see the world from another perspective.”
She’s also preparing for some emotionally powerful moments. As part of the Violins of Hope residency, the tour will bring students face to face to bear witness to the Holocaust. Kyra, who has visited Holocaust museums with her grandmother and studied Jewish history in school, is ready for that experience.
“If you truly understand what you’re doing and where you’re playing,” she says, “it makes everything feel more powerful.”
Kyra is enjoying the challenge of the repertoire for the tour. Playing with the most advanced students at MYSO she is motivated.
Kyra will join MYSO’s Senior Symphony in the fall, and preparing for tour has given her a powerful head start. “That’s how you get better—by playing with people who push you,” she says. The challenging repertoire is sharpening her skills and building her confidence for what’s ahead.
Her advice to fellow students? “Prepare your heart and mind. Understanding the history and culture behind the music makes the experience much more meaningful.”
