A Harker Heights High School violinist with an impressive list of musical accomplishments met a new standard of excellence recently that will lead her to the other side of the world.
Harker Heights junior Rebekah Koh earned a seat on the National Youth Orchestra of the USA.
Her reward is a five-week tour of China, Japan, Korea and other stops on the Asian continent alongside a renowned roster of world class orchestra conductors and players.
A year ago, as a sophomore, Koh earned a spot on a junior version of the orchestra known as NYO2. She went to Dallas and experienced a change in her perception of music.
In the fall, the accomplished high school junior made the All-State Orchestra for the third time. She will join her statewide peers this week at the annual Texas Music Educators Association conference in San Antonio.
Last Thursday she received word that she had made the top national youth orchestra. “I caught the big fish,” a smiling Koh said Monday, just four days after receiving the exciting news.
After completing the multiple levels of audition, the gifted violinist said she was uncertain. She began hearing from highly talented friends outside the area who did not make the national orchestra.
“I was really scared. I felt like maybe I didn’t do as well as I could since I’ve been busy this year with school,” she said.
“I saw the notification that said congratulations and I just freaked out. I was really grateful. I kind of disrupted the class, but everyone was really happy for me. Even for people who have made it before, it’s really nerve-racking. I felt like I tried my best, I just didn’t know.”
To apply for the national orchestra, Koh recorded herself playing five specified excerpts that reflected different musical styles written by a variety of composers. In addition, she prepared a two-minute solo piece, completed a video essay and a written essay and collected recommendations.
“Last year, I feel like it was a pivotal moment. It really changed how I perceive music.”
Music has been a bridge for Koh’s family, connecting relatives who live out of state and overseas. “Music is truly a beautiful thing,” she said.
She has taken lessons online for six years and said her parents, sister and other supporters have propelled her forward even as she struggled to maintain motivation.
“Even if you are talented, if you don’t have the right supporters, that talent can go to waste. I was really grateful to have those people. It was really a changing point,” she said.
“Before, I was a little back and forth about music. But I realized I have these talents, and I should use them for a good cause, maybe bring some unity to society. Music can bring us together.”
With the national orchestra traveling across Asia, Koh will have a chance to see relatives in Korea. “I’ll definitely see a lot of people in my family.”
Still getting used to the reality of her accomplishment, the grateful high school violinist said she’s ready to step onto a world stage and learn more about the unifying power of beautiful music.
