High school cellist chosen to play in elite orchestra

Her interest in the cello was originally inspired by her older sister, Bronte.

"I went to Memorial Middle School, and for fifth grade, we were supposed to select an elective, so I chose orchestra because my sister also plays violin," Ye said.

Five years later, both sisters are accomplished musicians who participate in the same orchestra class at Stratford Senior High School.

Annie Ye was recently selected as one of 10 Stratford High School students to participate in the Region 27 Texas Music Educators Association Honor Orchestra. She survived several rounds of exhausting competitive auditions for the honor of playing in three very special concerts with the best student musicians chosen from 15 high schools in the West Houston area.

Ye was even selected to perform a solo at the Region 27 orchestra's concert at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in December.

"At our concert…Annie was one of the few featured soloists," Stratford High Orchestra Director Michael Fahey said. "It was a big deal because she was one of two winners of our concerto competition. Her teacher, Donna Rogers, who is a Houston legend, was there, and she was very, very pleased with Annie's playing."

Ye's interest in music extends beyond her involvement with the school orchestra. She and her friends are in a quartet that plays for various local events – something she hopes to continue even after graduation.

"I have a little ensemble, a quartet, and we play for weddings and things like that," Ye said. "I think, after high school, we might continue our little group and play for things."

When she's not going to school, or performing with the orchestra or her ensemble, Ye enjoys arts and crafts. She also likes baking with her friends and finding new recipes on Pinterest. While her plans for college aren't yet set, she is considering pursuing a career as a geologist in the petroleum industry.

For more information on orchestra programs at Stratford High, call 281-560-7550 or visit ssh.springbranchisd.com or www.stratfordhsorchestra.webs.com.

ABOUT Annie Ye
AGE: 15
OCCUPATION: Junior at Stratford High School
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Memorial resident
FAST FACT: "I worked at an iPhone repair shop over the summer, so I can fix the iPhone 4."

Megan Mattingly-Arthur is a freelance writer. She can be reached at neighborhoods@chron.com.