Jonah Lyon, a sophomore in the Strings Program, has been involved in the music program for his entire time at La Salle. Lyon plays the violin, and he is dedicated to improving and perfecting his unique talent. In the following interview, he talks about his love for music and his plans for the future.

How long have you been playing an instrument?

I have played violin for 8 years. 

What got you interested in playing the violin in the first place?

I went to an instrument “petting zoo” and out of all the instruments (piano, drums, trumpet, clarinet) violin was my favorite.  Also, my mom used to play violin music to me when I was young which also got me interested. 

Are you going to play in the future?

Yes, I plan to continue to play with PYP and other music opportunities at La Salle, as well as private violin lessons.

When do you think you will stop playing?

I think that sometime in college, I will stop playing violin if music is not a major or minor.  I still haven’t yet decided.  However, even if I don’t major or minor in music, I plan to still play violin in community orchestras and I will always like the music. 

If you could play any other instrument what would it be?

I would probably play the cello because it is also a string instrument. I enjoy techniques on string instruments, such as playing with the bow, pizzicato and the different fingering patterns. I would rather play the cello than the viola, however, because it has a lot more importance with the melody.

What does music mean to you?

Music to me is a way to express my emotions in kind of a non embarrassing way. At high school, people who express exaggerated and dramatic emotions are looked down upon, but through this art form, I am able to be emotional and passionate (not act like a robot) and still be sociable at the same time. 

What are you looking forward to in the next year and future?

I am interested in going to Castleman Quartet Program in Buffalo, NY this summer.  I really like the teacher that teaches there and my teacher knows him.  I have a lot of friends that go there too. Also, I am looking forward next year to All State Orchestra (I missed it because I got sick the day of). Also, I am excited if string ensemble becomes a class.  I also look forward to an even tighter practice time because I will have even harder classes than this year.