Some students spend their free time doing homework, or hanging out with friends, but a unique few use those extra hours to do something different, something special. Henry Stroud is a Berkeley High School junior, and in the moments where he is not at an orchestra rehearsal or studying for an AP Biology test, he practices the violin.
Stroud can be seen hustling around the campus carrying an overflowing backpack and a decorated violin case. Much of his life is taken up by this small instrument, so it almost never leaves his side.
Stroud began his musical journey around 14 years ago, and has played violin for most of that time. He has taken private violin lessons since his mom introduced him to it when he was a mere three years old, and six years ago, Stroud joined the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra (YPSO).
YPSO is California’s oldest youth orchestra, and has been running for almost 90 years. YPSO’s members range in age from 11-21 years old, and they have performed at prestigious locations including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna, Austria. As a senior member of YPSO, Stroud plays a large role in the orchestra.
“I feel like I help bring the younger kids up,” Stroud said.
Stroud is one of YPSO’s concertmasters, a label that holds a lot of respect among the musical community.
Stroud has been concertmaster for YPSO for two years, and his job in this position is no simple task. His main role is to lead the string section, and the general orchestra. Second in command to the conductor, Stroud advises in decisions that influence the orchestra’s overall performance and expressiveness.
He is well-versed in solo performances and was selected to train and perform at Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra this past summer. He played alongside 89 other 14-17 year olds from around the United States. The experience of meeting so many people with a shared passion from around the U.S. is one that he treasures.
In addition to playing with YPSO, Stroud is also a recent member of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. Balancing his commitments to both orchestras has proven to be a necessary skill in order to stay afloat as he takes on demanding classes at BHS. Monday evenings, Stroud has rehearsal for YPSO from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m, and on Saturdays he attends afternoon rehearsals for the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. To maintain his level of skill, Stroud practices individually for hours each day and travels to San Francisco for private lessons. On school days, he practices for two to three hours, and during the weekends, it is not uncommon to for his practice sessions to last up to five hours
Aside from the musical talent he possesses, Stroud’s experience from playing the violin has contributed to skills such as time management and work ethic which have influenced other parts of his life, including school.
“I think biology is really one of my strong suits because of the memorization aspect, it’s really similar (to memorizing music),” Stroud said.
Over the years, the level of anxiety that Stroud feels prior to a concert or performance has changed. When he began with YSPO, Stroud would experience what he describes as a “blast of nervousness.” Nowadays, he has learned techniques that ease his pre-performance nerves, and his anxiety due to uncertainty is now anxiety rooted in how much he cares. Stroud’s main tools to deal with his nerves include breathing and visualization. By picturing what is about to unfold, and thinking about the best possible outcome, he is able to manage his stress.
“I just know that I’m doing my best. I’m gonna have fun and make other people have fun as well,” Stroud said.
Stroud has a goal to attend a college with respectable music and academic programs, and wants to pursue a double major in music and another undecided subject. He encourages students of all ages to experiment with music and suggested YPSO as an incredible opportunity that should be taken advantage of by those looking for rigorous musical opportunities.
Regardless of the passion one decides to pursue, Stroud’s advice resonates: “Start at the basics, work your way up, and practice a lot.”