Holden Kelly has been playing violin for more than nine years. He is in his third year performing with the East Texas Youth Orchestra – including two years with Philharmonic and one year with Symphony.
He achieved Concertmaster for a performance last year, which means he was first chair and led the orchestra.
His teacher is Melissa Nabb, director of the SFA Music Prep Program. He has attended SFA Strings Camp for the past five years.
“I spend many hours a week practicing violin for individual performances, ETYO orchestra performances and rehearsing with Nac4Strings,” Holden said. “Depending on the week, it could be 4-8 hours of practice time on my own, outside of group practices, lessons or rehearsals.”
Nac4Strings is a quartet group that plays gigs around town. Holden said they play for weddings, rehearsal dinners, political events and fundraisers.
Holden devotes every Sunday traveling to and from Tyler to rehearse with the ETYO. He performed with the All Region High School Orchestra in December, in Longview, and he is currently working on a solo piece for his first UIL competition in February.
What he enjoys most about playing is the challenge of learning new music and techniques. He likes playing with an orchestra.
Holden was the highest ranking 9th grader at the TMEA Orchestra High School All Region competition in October, which included both Region 4 and Region 21.
Holden’s favorite composer is Bach.
In addition to playing violin, Holden is also in Boy Scouts, plays on the NHS golf and tennis teams, competes in UIL Debate and Academics, and is a member of the FUMC church youth group.