Shyliss Ruffin
Shyliss Ruffin
I play the violin, but I actually did not choose this instrument. I was forced into playing the violin, and I originally wanted to play bass. I can’t imagine myself as a bass player and I’m very grateful that I ended up with this beautiful instrument.
What I love about the orchestra:
There are many things I love about the orchestra, but the thing I love most is the people I have met. I met my best friend in this orchestra, and I would not have known her at all if not for this program. I also met an amazing group of people who changed my outlook on life and made my experience in orchestra one that I could not forget. We made so many great memories from playing cards in the cello room to watching the skyline of New York City.
From hearing the beautiful music we make and the plethora of inside jokes we have created, including Mr. Conn’s crazy stories, I can honestly say that orchestra is one of the best things that I have ever been a part of. This class has been one of the only constants in my life, and it quickly became a solace to me. If there were challenges in school or at home, I knew that orchestra would stay unaffected, and it has. I would not be who I am today without orchestra.
Who is your favorite composer:
My favorite composer is Claude Debussy, and it is because his music is very dreamlike. It reflects my relationship to music in that it is an escape, a dream state, a wave of calm. I relate to the feeling it gives me, and in the future, I hope I can create music as lovely as this.
Now, take a listen: