Emery performs in Evansville orchestra

Reese Emery makes a trip to Indiana every week and not to buy clothes or eat out. While everyone else is doing homework on Wednesday afternoon, the freshman flutist is rehearsing with the Evansville Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

The group practices from 4:30-6 p.m. every Wednesday. Emery's played flute since fifth grade and is very passionate about her music.

"I started playing the flute because I've always liked listening to them in the band," Emery said, "and I've always wanted to be involved in music."

Flute was Emery's first choice when she started considering playing an instrument. Two flutists she knew prompted her decision.

"My cousin, Hannah Fowler, used to play, and I always liked listening to her. Mrs. (Kathy) Hanrahan inspired me to play it as well," Emery said.

Harrisburg High School's band director, Hannah Drake, believes that playing in the youth orchestra is a great opportunity for Emery.

"The Evansville Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is a fantastic organization," Drake said. "It is an honor to be selected as a member. I'm excited for Reese. This ensemble will help her to continue to grow and excel at flute."

Drake is not the only one who is excited for Emery. Emery's mother, Jana Emery, is happy that her daughter is exploring and growing through her experiences.

"I'm so proud of Reese for joining EPYO and earning the first chair flute," Jana Emery said. "I always encourage her to do the very best she can with the EPYO and anything else she is taking part in."

When Emery auditioned for the youth orchestra, she had to perform a solo and two major scales by memory. Including Emery, three flutists were permitted to join the company.

"One of the flutists is a freshman, and the other is an eighth grader," she said.

Of the flutists, Emery is first chair or first stand. This means she is the most talented in her section, although she was reluctant to say this. Being first stand is not an easy job.

"We have to sight read a lot and keep up with our conductor. I also help the other flutes learn, so I just really have to focus," Emery said.

She added, "We had a concert on Nov. 21. We got the break off, and we are just now going back. Then, we are going to have a spring concert to prepare for."

Although, the orchestra might be stressful and difficult at times, Emery said she tries to look at the positive things in the situation and make the best of it.

"I like playing along with my peers and just experiencing the whole thing," she said.

Most of all, Emery and her supporters are looking to the future and making the best of the present, so that Emery's success will continue to increase.

"I'm excited to see what the future holds for her," Jana Emery said.

Jack Gulley writes for the Purple Clarion, the student newspaper of Harrisburg High School.