Meet Ridgefield High School Music Student of the Month: Emma Dawson

The Ridgefield High School Music Department proudly announces that senior violist Emma Dawson is the November Student of the Month.

Throughout her years at RHS, Emma has exemplified fierce leadership, competitive ambition, and an ironclad dedication to music. These qualities, paired with her contributions to our community, have earned Emma this recognition.

Music has accompanied Emma through all her formative years. She was first introduced to the piano when she was four years old, and later pursued the viola at age 10. Today, she enjoys playing both piano and viola in formal ensembles and with friends. 

Upon her arrival to the high school, Emma jumped into leadership as the principal violist of Concert Orchestra in ninth grade. She continued to sharpen her leadership skills as the assistant principal violist in Symphonic Orchestra for the next two years. This year, Emma serves as the principal violist of Symphonic Orchestra.

“What I enjoy the most about playing in RHS’s music program is the ability to play very difficult music with a very talented group of people in Symphonic Orchestra,” says Emma. She adds that these challenges allow more experienced players to practice their leadership skills and support the program’s younger musicians.

Music is a central component of Emma’s interests and identity. For over five years, she has been a member of the selective Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra and serves as its principal violist this year. She has pursued her highest ambitions at the Charles Ives Music Festival -- a chamber-intensive program in which she has won two concerto competitions. Last year, Emma had the rare opportunity to perform with world-class violinist Midori for the United Nations.

Beyond her formal positions and activities, Emma has also made an effort to share the gift of music with her community, performing in quartets for local assisted-living facilities and town events. She has also performed as a violist in a cello ensemble led by Dr. Chungsun Kim for charitable causes.

Aside from her music, Emma is a competitive STEM-oriented student. As she prepares to study biology or chemistry in college, Emma hopes to continue maintaining her musical talents through joining orchestras and music clubs, wherever she lands. 

The RHS Music Department thanks Emma for her leadership and commitment to musical excellence.

For more information, visit ridgefieldhsmusic.org and ridgefieldmusicparents.org.

R
Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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