FINDING PEACE AS THE BOW MEETS THE VIOLIN
Sam Miller/Class of 2027
His favorite score? Gustav Mahler’s masterful Symphony No. 2. His practice routine? Busy.
Despite his academic and personal commitments, Sam has pursued violin for the past ten years. It’s through this passion that he’s found purpose.
His father’s employment as a salesman at the Spokane Symphony contributed to his musical upbringing. They listened to genres “from rock, to classical, to pop,” he recalls.
Today, his musical interests lie with the violin, whether through morning string orchestra practice at Gonzaga Prep or evening practice with Mateusz Wolski, Spokane Symphony concertmaster.
Spokane Youth Symphony has four different skill levels: strings, sinfonietta, philharmonic, and symphony orchestra. Of those, Sam held the position of concertmaster in three categories during his first year. Additionally, he was awarded the Jessica Sund Camp Scholarship award in Strings, the Leadership award in Sinfonietta, and the Most Improved award in Philharmonic.
Performances inherently bring stress; for Sam, however, “the benefits far outweigh the detriment.” Those communal moments allow him to connect with fellow musicians and himself.
Most recently, this identity inspired him to publish a weekly blog, Sam’s Corner, where he explores the context behind and emotion evoked by classical musicians and their work. Writing has fostered a deeper understanding of the compositions he explores.
Violin will remain an important part of Sam’s life, he has plans to minor in music at the university level.
ORIGAMI'S ARTIST DRAWN TO PAPER'S FRAGILITY
Ari Bech/Class of 2028
His afternoons are spent crafting homemade paper—a delicate recipe requiring methyl cellulose—for future origami creations. While his initial productions included cranes and lobsters, he has now advanced to figurative origami, like bison and frogs. Ari appreciates the intricate folding process, though he is not striving for ultimate perfection. Rather, he ensures each crease is intentional, a practice that requires much patience.
He’s found a hidden community through his passion. Whether through conventions or virtual marketplaces, Ari seeks inspiration from these international masters. They share a common language, he said.
The patterns he follows rely on near-fluency in this origami identity, as Ari explained. Certain colors indicate a valley-fold, while others mark the 48-by-48 grid one should first complete. While the possibilities within origami remain endless, there is a single grounding principle: only one sheet of paper.
Though he is only a freshman, he plans to pursue the intersection of the complex math upon which he relies as he folds with the artistry and creativity he often employs. Currently, he sees this perfect blend in the field of architecture. Wherever he ends up, Ari will carry with him the peace and purpose he’s found in origami.
Read the full magazine here:
Sam Miller/Class of 2027
His favorite score? Gustav Mahler’s masterful Symphony No. 2. His practice routine? Busy.Despite his academic and personal commitments, Sam has pursued violin for the past ten years. It’s through this passion that he’s found purpose.
His father’s employment as a salesman at the Spokane Symphony contributed to his musical upbringing. They listened to genres “from rock, to classical, to pop,” he recalls.
Today, his musical interests lie with the violin, whether through morning string orchestra practice at Gonzaga Prep or evening practice with Mateusz Wolski, Spokane Symphony concertmaster.
Spokane Youth Symphony has four different skill levels: strings, sinfonietta, philharmonic, and symphony orchestra. Of those, Sam held the position of concertmaster in three categories during his first year. Additionally, he was awarded the Jessica Sund Camp Scholarship award in Strings, the Leadership award in Sinfonietta, and the Most Improved award in Philharmonic.
Performances inherently bring stress; for Sam, however, “the benefits far outweigh the detriment.” Those communal moments allow him to connect with fellow musicians and himself.
Most recently, this identity inspired him to publish a weekly blog, Sam’s Corner, where he explores the context behind and emotion evoked by classical musicians and their work. Writing has fostered a deeper understanding of the compositions he explores.
Violin will remain an important part of Sam’s life, he has plans to minor in music at the university level.
ORIGAMI'S ARTIST DRAWN TO PAPER'S FRAGILITY
Ari Bech/Class of 2028
His afternoons are spent crafting homemade paper—a delicate recipe requiring methyl cellulose—for future origami creations. While his initial productions included cranes and lobsters, he has now advanced to figurative origami, like bison and frogs. Ari appreciates the intricate folding process, though he is not striving for ultimate perfection. Rather, he ensures each crease is intentional, a practice that requires much patience. He’s found a hidden community through his passion. Whether through conventions or virtual marketplaces, Ari seeks inspiration from these international masters. They share a common language, he said.
The patterns he follows rely on near-fluency in this origami identity, as Ari explained. Certain colors indicate a valley-fold, while others mark the 48-by-48 grid one should first complete. While the possibilities within origami remain endless, there is a single grounding principle: only one sheet of paper.
Though he is only a freshman, he plans to pursue the intersection of the complex math upon which he relies as he folds with the artistry and creativity he often employs. Currently, he sees this perfect blend in the field of architecture. Wherever he ends up, Ari will carry with him the peace and purpose he’s found in origami.
Read the full magazine here: