The Colby Echo

Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Caroline Dickson Parker has been playing violin for fourteen years, since the fourth grade.

Colby's Music Department is blessed with many talented students, and I find myself impressed with every concert they put on. Emily Parker '08 is one student whose talent and dedication has always stuck in my mind. She has played in many concerts here at the College, and the composure and diligence with which she plays the violin is striking. She is an English major who has also tried out many philosophy and economics courses. She is currently preparing to take the LSATs in June and will be applying to law schools while working as a paralegal after she graduates this spring.

Coming from Guilford, Conn., Parker arrived at the College four years ago, beginning to play volleyball for the Mules, which conflicted with many of her musical activities. However, a torn ACL prevented her from joining back up with the team and consequently she had the time to fully immerse herself in the music program. Parker was really grateful for this opportunity, as her musical endeavors have been something she has enjoyed immensely during her time here.

She started playing the violin in fourth grade, when many of her friends all tried it out as well. Parker said, "When they all quit within a few months, I ended up sticking with it and within a few years I guess you could say I was obsessed." In high school she was very involved with teaching violin as well as participating in many orchestras all over Conn. For Parker, the College has provided the opportunity to calm down a bit and really enjoy playing the violin. In middle school Parker also tried out the piano, but with limited time she ultimately stuck to her two greater loves, the violin and sports.

Parker comes from a family with much musical background; her mother and grandmother are both talented piano players and her younger sister is an impressive singer. Parker, however, is the first in the family to play violin. In her four years here she has played in the Colby Symphony Orchestra and Colby Sinfonietta as a first violinist. Many times she has accompanied Chorale and Collegium Musicum as a violinist. She studies under Graybert Beacham, a wonderful performer who also performs at many concerts sponsored by the Colby Music Department. She and other College musicians joined together at Waterville Opera House, performing Jesus Christ Superstar. Parker said, "I also teach violin to an eighth grade girl named Phoebe from Augusta, which has quickly becomes one of my favorite parts of my week."

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