SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jodi Dunn of Fort Plain, a violinist in the Empire State Youth Orchestra, will perform a movement from the “Bruch Concerto No.1” on May 5 at 3 p.m. at the ESYO Repertory and ESYO String Orchestra concert at Arthur Zankel Music Center.
Dunn was the runner-up in ESYO’s annual Lois Lyman Concerto Competition on Jan. 13 at the College of St. Rose. Each year the organization holds an audition where members of ESYO Youth Orchestra can perform a concerto, from memory, for a panel of judges. The judges choose both a winner and a runner-up.
Dunn is in eleventh grade and is home-schooled.
Her mother, Kirsten Dunn, said that Jodi became interested in violin at four years of age after watching her siblings participate in music lessons, according to a news release.
Today, she has a strong passion for performance.
“She is zealous about it, and especially loves the time she spends playing and making music with other people-through ESYO, of course, but also at home with her siblings, performing in recitals or at nursing homes, fundraisers, weddings and parties,” said Kirsten Dunn.
Jodi Dunn said she was incredibly happy when she found out she was selected to perform part of the concerto she has been practicing diligently. “When I got the call that I was the runner up I was really excited for three reasons,” she said.
“The main reason I was excited was because my younger sister Keziah, plays in the ESYO Repertory Orchestra, and I was really excited that I could play with the orchestra she was in.
“I was also really excited that my hard work had paid off, and it was a really amazing feeling. The last reason was because when I played in the ESYO Repertory Orchestra, the soloist who played with us played the exact same piece I am performing,” said Jodi Dunn.
Jodi Dunn also practices numerous hours a day to continually improve and credits many for where she is today. “I appreciate my teachers, because without their amazing leadership, and them dedicating their time to help me improve, I would not be the musician I am today,” she said. “Also, I appreciate my family, friends and peers. Without their support and encouragement my love of playing and practicing would not be the same, and it is their encouragement that helps me now.”
