Notes Newsletter Student Spotlight: Isabelle Cryan

Posted on December 5, 2024

Isabelle Cryan plays the saxophone in PYWE. She is also a Senior at Union High School and studies with Brain Myers.

What first brought you into music? What attracted you to your instrument?

My dad always pushed for me to be involved in music, and would take me to see different instrumental groups perform live. I always liked the idea of playing an instrument, so when I was watching the Pink Panther I asked my parents what instrument I heard in the opening theme. They said it was a saxophone, so that’s what I went with. In the 5th grade I was extremely upset to learn that the saxophone wasn’t an option for band until 6th grade, so I started on flute. I switched over to saxophone as soon as I got the chance, and have loved it ever since.

What are you most excited about for this upcoming season?

I’m excited to perform Journey with the Philharmonic at the Christmas concert! I love being able to rehearse with my friends and meet new people. It’s so cool to hear this piece played by a high level of musicians. I know this concert will be a fun one!

How did you prepare for your seating audition this summer?

I sat down with a metronome set painfully slow, and started as though I were learning my scales and excerpts for the first time. Although I knew I could play them decently at tempo, I wanted to relearn them to focus on my technique so I could play them as close to perfect as I could. To keep myself from getting frustrated I’d get up for a small break every 30-45 mins, and switch whatever I’m working on every so often.

What is your favorite piece of music?

Symphony No. 4 by David Maslanka is my favorite piece. I performed this with my school’s wind ensemble at our final band concert. Although we were given one month to pull it together, our band worked hard and we pulled it off. Everyone cared about making it work. I’d never seen so much dedication from such a big group. This piece holds a lot of good memories from a special time in my musical career.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music?

I enjoy hanging out with my friends. I’ve met my favorite people through music programs, and I feel lucky to be friends with people who are as appreciative of music as I am. We all enjoy thrifting, going to concerts, and getting food together.

What are your goals this year?

My main goal is to make it through college auditions. I’d like to get into a school with a music program that will set me on the path to reach my full potential. I would also like to involve myself in as many musical opportunities as I can. Although I plan on being a music major, I may not have the same opportunities I’ve had so far again after high school, so I’d like to make the most of my final year.

Who do you admire most?

There’s not one person I admire the most; the people I admire the most are my closest friends. They are all incredibly dedicated people who I see working hard every day to reach their goals, constantly having their priorities straight. I’ve learned a lot from them, and I like the person I am when I’m with them. They all motivate me to try my best, I wouldn’t be the person or musician I am without them here to support me