From their dedicated practices with the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) to their globetrotting adventures, they’ve embraced music as more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. Sophia Alexander ‘26 and Emily Alexander ‘26 share a passion for music, which has become a major part of their daily lives. Since the age of four, Sophia has participated in a multitude of music-related events as a cellist and violist, including masterclasses and extensive competitions, and has even recently been featured in a From the Top episode on National Public Radio (NPR) that spotlighted Minnesota Musicians. Sophia highlights that although the experience was nerve-racking, she “was more excited just to be doing it.” However, Sophia explains that she has a love not only for her achievements but also for the friends and memories she has made along the way. She notes that the most valuable thing about her orchestra, both outside and inside of school, is that “they both have great communities.”
Playing an instrument can be highly competitive. It is easy to get caught up in trying to be the best. Both sisters, now sophomores, understand the importance of setting rivalries aside and focusing on making memories that last a lifetime. Orchestra has become their family. “Everyone is really supportive of each other, and if you get something special, then everyone else is happy for you,” Sophia says.
Sophia highlights the incredible experiences she has gained as a musician: “When I was in Italy, one of the concert venues we performed at was in Taormina, and it was like a half-ruined amphitheater, like really old, and it was a really cool experience.” Emily also brought up a cherished tradition within their orchestra program, an annual performance of a piece called Jupiter. She describes the awe-inspiring moment when every single member of the orchestra–from seasoned musicians to young children–join together with music that “surrounds the entire hall and gives you chills. It’s a really cool experience.” Music has opened a lot of doors for adventure in the Alexanders’ lives, and they will continue to explore the joy of music with an upcoming tour to southern France and Barcelona this summer.
Sisterhood has also played a massive role in Sophia’s and Emily’s careers as musicians. Emily comments, “When we play duets, it’s unlike playing with anyone else because even if you practice a lot with someone else, I feel like you never get the same amount of cohesiveness.” The two have pushed each other to strive in their ensemble and created healthy competition between themselves to help one another do their best. Through music, Sophia and Emily have created an unbreakable bond that keeps them going with their respective instruments. Orchestra can be mentally and physically taxing at times; as Emily describes, “Your hands will get really sore, and there is also a possibility for injury because if you practice too much, you could get tendonitis or carpal tunnel.” In times of hardship, they always have each other to lean on. The two young musicians have played with individuals all over the Twin Cities, but nothing beats the music they have created together.
Despite the occasional sore fingers and busy schedules, Sophia and Emily offer a straightforward message to those considering picking up an instrument: just go for it. Take a leap of faith, join an orchestra, and find the beauty in music.
