Audrey Cherwinski

Sophomore Audrey Cherwinski has been playing the cello since 6 years old.

“My friend’s mom played the cello, and after hearing her play, I begged my mom to get me a cello of my own,” Cherwinski said. “My favorite thing about playing music is the opportunity it gives me to express myself in a way I can’t through words and other things.”

Her current private lessons teacher, whom she has studied with for five years, plays in the Philadelphia Orchestra.

This year, PMEA did not hold a separate regional audition or festival.

Cherwinski says, “I don’t know why this decision was made, but I personally like it.”

Among the state musicians, there are mixed opinions on whether they would have preferred to have Regionals or not this year.

Last year, Cherwinski made it to Districts but could not advance since freshmen can’t go past the district level.

“One of the audition excerpts for States this year was from Symphony No. 3 by Brahms,” said Cherwinski. “I instantly fell in love with this piece when I listened to it for the first time, and I wish I could have had the opportunity to perform it this year.”

In general, her favorite piece would either be Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations or the Dvorak Cello Concerto.

Cherwinski’s plans after high school include going to a conservatory. She hopes to make a career out of music in the future and join a well-known, well-respected orchestra.