As a member of the Roanoke Symphony's Harp Ensemble for four years, Rachel has had opportunities to participate in many harp concerts. She studies under the direction of Anastasia Jellison.
Rachel became a student of violin at the age of six. She studed with Jane Wang for four years, and now is a student of Akemi Takayama. She currently plays violin in the First Violin section of the Roanoke Symphony's Youth Orchestra, and is the Symphony's only harpist. She has attended their Music Institute at Ferrum College for the past four summers.
Rachel was honored when she was asked to be the substitute harpist with the Roanoke Symphony in the spring of 2007, at a concert featuring Aaron Neville. The Symphony played the Carmen Suite by Bizet, which featured a prominent harp part in the Prelude to Act III. She also played the harp part of a piece that was written by Aaron Neville.
In March 2008, Rachel tied for Second in the Roanoke Symphony's Young Artists Awards. She played Maleguena by Ernesto Lecuona.
In April 2008, Rachel and her brother placed 1st in AWANA's National Fine Arts Awards, both recieving scholarships.
Rachel has been providing music lessons to beginner and intermediate students since Fall 2007. For more information concerning lessons, visit our Information page.
Rachel has many other interests including reading, drawing, and sewing. She is an avid bird watcher, and she lives with her parents and two brothers in Roanoke, VA.
