Where The Art Is by Maryann Collela

"Oh gosh," she says with a laugh as she attempts to calculate the amount of time that music has played an important role in her life. "I guess I really started practicing seriously in second grade." Over the past eight years, sophomore Rosie Rice has learned to play the bass, alto, and tenor clarinets, the alto and tenor saxophones, the baritone, the trombone, and the piano. Not only is she skilled with instruments, but she has turned her self into an instrument by singing in choir, and participating in musical theatre for most of her life.

After much calculation, Rosie seemed surprised to say that she currently spends 31 hours a week practicing music. She was unaware that she spends so much time pursuing her passion because it just seems like second nature to her. Rosie has been in choir since elementary school. She currently sings tenor in the chamber choir here at ESHS and she has been a member of the South Bay Children's Choir since age seven. She has truly enjoyed playing in band since elementary school and playing in the community band for the past three years. "There's something really special about playing in a band. When the music comes together, it's so cool and it gives you this amazing sense of power- like you've accomplished something together."

She will soon be playing the clarinet and the saxophone in the bands for Alice Through the Wonderland with the Middle School, and Bugsy Malone with the Recreation and Parks Youth Drama Department. She is also practicing for her audition for the Allstate Honor Band. She will have to play a learned piece, know all of her scales, and sight read a piece on the tenor saxophone. She's also rehearsing for a festival with a sax quartet.

Not only does Rosie take comfort in a pit behind a music stand, but she finds her home on the stage. She is currently starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with the Rec Park Department. This will not be her first musical production with the park. Many may remember her quirky solo from last year's talent show. Clothed in three different dresses, she sang the comedic song "Always a Bridesmaid" from the musical I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. Rosie loves anything to do with music and plans to stay active in theatre.

When asked about her plans for the future she immediately responds with great certainty, "I'm definitely going to study music in college, and then some day I hope to teach." Rosie is very fortunate to know where her passion lies at such an early age. She loves music and knows it will always be a part of her life. "It helps me express the things I'm thinking and feeling without words."

The one musician that Rosie most admires is not Mozart or Beethoven, but her mother, Mrs. Rice who teaches band here. "She always has total and complete faith in me!" Rosie rolls her eyes and seems surprised that someone could believe in her so much. But any one who has ever witnessed Rosie's dedication to music would not be surprised at all. Her favorite quote comes from Oliver Wendell Holmes, "Alas for those who never sing but die with music inside of them."