Eclectic Philosopher
I am in my middle teens. I am an avid Christian. I am homeschooled, but taking band and two other classes from the local high school. I play the piano very well, the organ passably, flute well, fife adequately, bassoon well and violin atrociously.
I have been composing since I was 5 or 6 years old. I play flute and bassoon in the local Varsity High School band, and flute in the High School Jazz band.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I don't play live, as I compose music for large orchestras and I am only one person, who sadly has no ability to get a large orchestra to play my songs. However, I entered my suite, The Dakota War of 1862, in my local county fair, and I won a purple (excellent, beyond blue) ribbon and a State Fair trip, so that's very exciting.
Your musical influences
I like Baroque or Classical. Also middle-eastern-influenced music, anime soundtracks, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars (the Imperial March is awesome!), classic rock, and LOTS OF CELTIC! No disco or twangy country for me, please. I compose music with a light touch of sarcasm, a slight political (or just general) statement, and long philosophical talks with my dad and myself.
What equipment do you use?
Finale Printmusic 2006. I highly recommend it. Not as expensive as the full-blown scary version of Finale, and it gets the job done well.
Anything else?
I am an avid devourer of books, from self-help to science fiction. I collect words. Some of the latest additions to my collection are gerbil, sniped, malarky and hemisemidemiquaver.
I enjoy poking fun at amusingly perfect female (or male) story characters (Mary-Sues, or Gary Stus, respectively), especially in Lord of the Rings fanfiction. I draw manga in my spare time. I am also attempting to keep my betta fish, named Haldir, alive.
