When it comes to playing the violin, eleventh-grader Jackie Seitz doesn’t give it a “rest.” Now on her eighth year of playing, Seitz has shown her strong dedication to the instrument.
After watching her sister take music lessons, Seitz was inspired to start playing herself. She first took lessons while living in Chicago, Il. Currently, she plays with Sarasota Youth Orchestra’s (SYO) Youth Philharmonic, Pine View Chamber, Young at Harp PV Quartet, and also works with a private music coach. She spends roughly two hours every day practicing. “The hardest part of playing is finding the time to practice between work, extracurriculars, and school work. But anytime I have I will make sure to pick up the violin and practice,” Seitz said.
Originally Seitz planned on auditioning for SYO’s Youth Symphony, the level under Youth Philharmonic because she wanted to budget her time better. However, after seeing the pieces for auditions and with the encouragement of friends, she decided to audition for the more advanced group.
After playing for many years, Seitz has achieved many accomplishments. She has played at events with the non-profit organization Sarasota Memorial’s Music with Medicine. She received a superior with distinction rating at Music Publishers Association (MPA) District freshman and sophomore year and received superior with distinction rating at states as a freshman. She was accepted into and played in the Perlman Music Program Super Strings in 2017 and 2018 and accepted into the orchestra program at Interlochen Arts Camp in 2018.
Seitz recently played “Romeo and Juliet” by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and greatly enjoyed the unique experience. Playing in the Side by Side concert at the Neel Performing Arts Center in Bradenton, Fla., Seitz was able to sit “side by side” with a professional musician from the Sarasota Orchestra with her fellow youth orchestra members. “It was a very special performance and it was really cool to be able to play with the professionals right next to you,” Seitz said.
For the future, Seitz plans on continuing her music career throughout high school and even minoring in music for college. “Jackie is a gifted musician and works very hard no matter what the piece is- a simple study or a Concerto. She strives for perfection, and has become a highly skilled violinist,” Seitz’s private violin coach Carl Ann Evans said.