Arthur the Aardvark can be accredited with emitting the spark that started Esther Elia’s trying, yet rewarding, journey as a talented violinist. Esther has been admitted into a prestigious chamber group program at CSUS, concert mistress in Stanislaus County Honor Orchestra, CODA Symphony Orchestra, and recently, first violin in All-State Orchestra. All of these accomplishments however, can be traced back to Arthur. “If you want the real story, I was watching Arthur the Aardvark,” laughed Esther, ”and watched a segment where children showed their talents, and one girl played the violin.”
And there is where Esther’s story begins.
One of Esther’s most prestigious accomplishments so far in her music career has been her acceptance into All-State Orchestra in 2010. Esther did not make it last year, so this time around, she was even more determined to make this orchestra. “I was very determined and dropped everything else for these auditions,” stated Esther. The audition music was the hardest music she had auditioned with and to top that off, the day she recorded her audition tape, she was sick, and her wrist was bothering her. A few weeks later, she received the news that she had made it, after months of rehearsing; she had not only made All-State, but made it to the first violin section.
A disappointing event occurred that was detrimental to her short term goals in music. Esther’s wrist started to have sharp pains, which turned out to be sprained cartilage. This deterred her from being able to play in the state orchestra this year. Esther hasn’t been able to play in two months and says, “Violin is a stress reliever, and it clears my mind—that has been hard.”
Although Esther won’t be able to participate in the orchestra this year, she has two more years that she will be able to participate in, and is anxiously awaiting the time when she will be able to play her cherished instrument.
Esther would never think about quitting music at this point in her life, yet there was a time when she questioned her love of the instrument. “During Jr. High, I didn’t want to practice at all,” remembers Esther. There was an event that changed her view on music, The Summer Chamber Camp at CSUS showed Esther had potential, and “I started taking violin seriously, and loved to practice.”
The Chamber Camp was Esther’s most memorable experience; she was with the same caliber of musicians, and their performance was rewarded with three standing ovations.
When Esther was in eighth grade, she never thought she could have a career in music; it was impossible to have a career that you loved. Yet once Esther attended the Chamber Camp, she started thinking about the possibilities. Esther has looked at a couple of conservatories, and is unsure if she would rather play in professional orchestras, be a solo performer, or a music therapist. “Just something that has to do with music,” Esther stated.
Apart from being an outstanding musician, Esther has participated in volleyball, varsity track, and student government. Esther will continue in these activities, yet music will always have a priority in her life. Playing the violin has taught her discipline, dedication, and patience. Music is a part of her, something that makes her unique and something that she will dedicate her life to. “Music will be part of my life forever,” states Esther, “there are so many musical opportunities in life that I will take part in.”