With our school holding many students that have talents, the music department seems to increase in size every year.

Freshman Trinity Callis has been playing violin since she was just five years old. However, this year is her first year at Hays High.

Callis has made many accomplishments in her life with the talent of her violin, one of which being second chair in the orchestra as just a freshman. This year, she also is playing with her two brothers who are also in orchestra as section leaders. Senior Tristan Callis playing viola and sophomore Tanner Callis playing cello.

“I was really excited to be playing with both of my brothers this year in orchestra,” Callis said. “Even though I don’t sit by them, I can still hear them play and watch them lead their sections during rehearsals.”

With district coming up soon, Callis has been trying to prepare well.

“I try to practice every day, but that usually doesn’t happen,” Callis said. “I end up practicing about every other day at least.”

Not only district has been coming up but the fall musical as well. Callis will be playing in the pit.

“Since the musical has been coming up, I have been practicing more often,” Callis said.

Being a musician, Callis plays and listens to all kinds of music but does talk about some specific music she really enjoys.

“My favorite type of music to play used to be Celtic music,” Callis said. “But these past few years I have really enjoyed playing Bach, especially the Bach Double Violin Concerto.”

Although Callis plays more ‘orchestra like’ with her violin, she likes more of an upbeat type of music to listen to.

“I typically listen to the songs you’d hear on the radio,” Callis said. “Rather than classical pieces.”

Callis has basically played violin from the time she learned to talk, so her inspirations are very important to her.

“My biggest inspiration and encouragers have to be my grandparents,” Callis said.

Callis said her grandma was diagnosed with cancer a few years again but still attends every one of her concerts, birthdays, recitals and games.

“Whenever we play for her, she just sits in her chair and listens to us,” Callis said.

Growing up, Callis wanted to be a professional violin player.

“I’m still deciding if I want to focus on music,” Callis said. “but I know I will continue playing in the future.”

16hbaxter@usd489.com