I could not imagine my life without my cello. After returning home from school and relaxing, I uncase my instrument, set up my practice nook and get to work, diving into melodies and building muscle memory. 

I have been playing the cello for 11 years. It all started in Connecticut where I attended a musical instruments fair. After the event, I wanted to learn how to play the flute, but my mom thought the cello would better fit me. She could not have been more right.

When I first started playing, I sounded like a dying seal, and my mind seemed to wander to anything else but this chore. With the help of my mom’s commitment and guidance alongside my determination, the source of which I am still unable to identify, a passion for improvement and music unfolded. 

Years later, I am still loyal to my beloved cello. I discovered that each piece of music I learn, each composer I get to know, has a story. Playing the cello transports me into a different world, urging me to step into the minds of those who lived hundreds of years ago. It is amazing how basic emotions, such as love, anger and sadness, remain unchanged throughout history. 

Although Coppell High School does not have an orchestra, I have found many opportunities to spread my love for music. One of my favorite parts of the week is rehearsing with the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra on Sundays, which I have been a part of for eight years. For three and a half hours, I make music with other students from around Dallas sharing the same passion for music. Among my peers, I struggle to find others who share my love for classical music. However, orchestra emphasizes the importance of leadership and community and has introduced me to some of my best friends.

From May to October each year, I finesse orchestral excerpts and technical études to their limits in hopes of qualifying to attend the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Orchestra. The audition process is a roller coaster, pushing me to stay focused and deal with failure. It has allowed me to be my own judge, urging me to be mindful and critically observe myself to improve.

I have had the great honor of serving as principal cellist of the TMEA Region 31 Symphony Orchestra for four years and playing in the TMEA All-State Symphony Orchestra for three years. These opportunities allow me to grow greatly as a musician, as I have been able to learn from excellent musicians, experienced conductors and wonderful teachers. I love being able to spend four days completely immersed in bringing quality music to life. 

As composer Sergei Rachmaninoff famously said, “Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.” As I continue to the next chapters of my life, my cello will continue to be an essential part of my experiences. 

Thank you to my cello, my rock, my partner in crime and my best friend.

Follow Deepali Kanchanavally (@deepali0914) and @CHSCampusNews on X.