Violin plays big part in Figliuzzi's life

Ava Figliuzzi

Grade: Junior.

Age: 17.

Art focus: Brainerd High School Chamber Orchestra.

Adviser nomination: "Ava is Concert Master for the BHS Chamber Orchestra and is a member of the Minnesota Youth Symphony and the Minnesota All-State Orchestra, where she serves as first violinist in both orchestras. She also takes private lessons with a Minnesota Orchestra violinist and teaches private lessons to students. She also performs in trio in the community and performs various solo competitions."

Memorable fine arts achievement: "Performing side by side with the Minnesota orchestras.

"One thing that I am looking forward to is the Minnesota Youth Symphony is going to Cuba in 2017 so I am looking for to that."

How has playing the violin changed your life: "It has changed my life. I decided it was a big enough thing that it is what I want to do and that is why I am looking at music schools. The violin is my life, or at least a big part of it ... It is something I enjoy."

How much of your time is spent on the violin: "I spend about 20 hours a week practicing the violin between my high school classes and the Minnesota orchestra practices."

How long have you been getting private lessons: "I've taken private lessons since eighth grade. I was taking lessons with (former BHS orchestra director) Grant Wilcox here at the high school and he recommended I go down there. He wanted me to play at a higher level. I go every week on Saturday. It's tough, but it is part of my lifestyle. Cecilia Belcher, is my new violin teacher in Minneapolis. I like her alot and she is helping me with my college auditions."

Tell me about the lessons you provide to students: "I have four students ages 6 to adult. They are all beginners. I hope I am a good teacher. I know I wouldn't be as good if I didn't have a teacher myself.

"My biggest influence was Grant because I was a kid when he taught me and now the kids I am teaching are the same age as I was when I was learning. All my teachers have different teaching styles and some tell you when you do something wrong right away and some cover it up ... I prefer to tell my students right away. I am more straightforward with my students."

Favorite composer: Mozart.

Last song you heard: "Phantasy Quintet by Vaughan Williams."

TV show you won't watch: "I' don't like action shows that much."

Favorite children's book: "The Quiltmaker's Gift."

Dream job: "To be a professional violinist on the east coast."

Favorite holiday movie: "The original 'Grinch Who Stole Christmas.'"

Concerts for the state orchestras: "Minnesota All-State Orchestra is a camp and we do two concerts a year. Minnesota Youth Symphony practice is on Saturday and there are three concerts a year. All the concerts are in Minneapolis.

"Whenever there are Minnesota Orchestra concerts I always listen to them on the radio. It makes me feel happy knowing my teacher is in it playing and that someday I could be playing in the orchestra."

Clubs/sports: Vice president of the Key Club and I was captain of the cross country team this fall."

Bad habit: "I bite my fingernails when I am nervous."

What are you looking forward to this Christmas: "Seeing my baby cousins."

Parents: Jana Austad and James Figliuzzi, both of Baxter.

JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5851. Follow me at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl on Twitter.