The Ridgefield High School Music Department is excited to name Francesca Rossi as its September Student of the Month -- the first of the 2022-23 academic year. Thanks to her compassion and involvement in the program, many have come to know Francesca as a dedicated cellist and a natural leader with a profound love for music.
The senior embarked on her musical journey by beginning cello lessons at age four. Since then, Francesca has grown to appreciate the opportunity of sharing music with others and playing with friends, stating “[Learning the cello] is a decision I’ve never regretted.”
Throughout her high-school years, Francesca used her playing experience as an asset for leadership. As a freshman, she was the principal cellist of Concert Orchestra. As a sophomore, she became a cohort leader to maintain consistency through a hybrid learning model. In her Junior year, Francesca became the principal cellist of Symphonic Orchestra and will continue her role this year.
For Francesca, giving back to her community is a simple way of expressing thanks. “I appreciate having the opportunity to play such advanced repertoire, and I’m grateful for being part of a wonderful community that we have all worked to strengthen,” she comments.
The musician’s dedicated leadership also extends far beyond the classroom. Francesca currently sits as the principal cellist for both the RHS Chamber Orchestra and the WCYO Symphony Orchestra. Her seasoned musical abilities have earned her acceptance into the CMEA All-State Festival twice and the Western-Regionals Festival three times.
Apart from her musical leadership, Francesca has most enjoyed giving back to her community. She was an active member of the charitable RHS Key Club in her freshman year, and is a current member of the National Honor Society. She also enjoys sharing the joy of music with the town’s community by teaching cello lessons and performing in a quartet for local nursing homes.
“Francesca has been an incredible asset to our program,” comments RHS orchestra director Michael McNamara. “Her commitment to excellence and to the cello have served as an example to the rest of the music community at RHS. She has a terrific sense of humor, especially when it comes to putting up with me! She is caring, conscientious, and always there when you need her. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed her presence as both a musician and an all-around great human being.”
Leadership, dedication, and humor are characteristics deeply embedded within Francesca’s legacy in the program. The RHS music community thanks Francesca for her service and wishes her the best for her future endeavors.
For more information, visit ridgefieldhsmusic.org and ridgefieldmusicparents.org.