Spotlight on Student Achievement in the Arts
Music education nurtures skills that are critical to future success, including creativity, determination, and motivation. Nebraskans for the Arts’ Student Spotlight winner, Pauline Lee, demonstrates through her personal performance and achievements that music helps develop the student behind the score.
Pauline, a 7th grade student at Elkhorn Ridge Middle School, has recently won the Nebraska MTNA Competition in Junior Performance. This follows her 2018 Junior Strings Division victory in the Orchestra Omaha Young Artists Competition.
Pauline began studying violin at age 6 with Ruth Meints, Executive Director of the Omaha Conservatory of Music. Her natural talent, combined with a strong work ethic, has developed her skills to a high level in a very short time. Pauline was invited on “Heifetz On Tour” in Washington, DC as the youngest Heifetz Touring Artist in history. This tour provides real-world performance opportunities for promising young musicians.
“Pauline’s enthusiasm for excellence is absolutely contagious,” said Ruth Meints. “She adds a joyful spirit and passionate dedication to any rehearsal situation, bringing other players around her to a higher level of engagement. I give Pauline the highest recommendation as an up and coming leader in the violin world.”
Pauline appreciates the challenge and opportunity of playing the violin. “Music makes people happy; I find this out when I play the violin for an audience,” said Pauline. “I perform all over the place. Sometimes it is in a beautiful concert hall, but sometimes in a small room with a handful of audience or with people just passing by.”
“But it does not matter. I believe the music I play can make people happier and it makes myself happy, too. There is always music in our lives!”
