Artist of the Month: Danielle Harajli

DHS senior Danielle Harajli recently was accepted in late December for the opportunity to play violin in the EMU Honor String Orchestra Concert.

Harajli was chosen by instrumental music teacher Brian Mccloskey, who selected her, along with her fellow string player cohorts, senior Natalie Jakubowicz and senior Katie Pegouske (who will be joining Harajli in the concert), for their past superior first division ratings at the annual Solo and Ensemble Festival.

Q&A With Danielle Harajli

Q: How do you feel about getting accepted into the EMU Honors String Orchestra Concert?

A: “So excited about it! I’ve been playing the violin since I was in 5th grade. So it’s been a big passion of mine and it’s been like a big part of me for a while now. So when I heard that me, along with two other seniors Katie Pegouske, and Natalie Jakubowicz got nominated I was really excited because, although it’s not something I plan to pursue career wise, I want to keep it with me, like throughout my whole life. So I was so excited to be able to play with them, it’s a big honor.”

Q: How did you get into playing violin?

A: “It was never my plan in elementary school to play an instrument. Violin had always encapsulated me so much so I was kinda in between violin and the flute-and I’m so glad I picked violin. I tried it out in fifth grade and I loved it, I fell in love with it. I just could never let go.”

Q: Do you play any other instruments besides violin?

A: “Yes. So playing the violin has opened my mind to so many different instruments. I actually started playing the piano with violin, I don’t really play the piano as much, but I play here and there . I play acoustic and electric guitar, I play the banjo, and ukulele. So, I’m a big string person as you can tell.”

Q: Do you have anybody that also plays string instruments that you look up to?

A: “Yes! My biggest role model for violin is Hilary Hahn. She’s a world-famous violinist and her playing is so eloquent and she puts so much emotion into her playing. I actually saw her [play]. She performed as a soloist at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. I was so happy I got to see that, and it’s just been such a pleasure living in the same time frame as her. I look up to her.”

Q: Does your family support you in playing the violin? What do they think about it?
A: “Definitely. So, this is one of my passions that didn’t come from any outside sources. I didn’t have any older siblings playing instruments or anything like that. I think my family really has a deeper appreciation for music because of me, like going to my symphonies and going to my recitals. My dad is a big lover of classical music so we definitely have bonded over that. My whole family loves hearing me play all my instruments in my room, with my music wall and so many guitars and stuff. So yeah, they’re definitely super supportive and I’m really appreciative of that.”

Q: What was your initial reaction to finding out you were nominated to play in the EMU Honors Orchestra?

A: “Actually a teacher told me. She literally told me that she got the email, saying that we got nominated. I was like ‘Oh my god’. I didn’t even know. So I went straight to Mr. McCloskey and he said ‘yes, you’ve been nominated, I’m really proud of you’ and he was always like very supportive and he said ‘I’m for sure coming with you guys’ because again, he’s so open to learning. He wanted to learn more about strings with us. Yeah so, I was so excited. I told my whole family, I was super excited.”

Q: Are you nervous at all?

A: “So I’ve learned in my past experiences being nervous for anything is not going to do you any good. All I can do is be excited about it and look forward to it, and welcome it with open arms. I know it’s not going to be easy, it’s going to be a challenge, the pieces are not anything super easy but I love that. I’m always up for a good challenge. I’m trying not to let my nerves get the best of me.”

Q: Do you feel like DHS has provided you with a good music program experience to allow you to be successful?

A: “Yes definitely! DHS has been known for their music program, band, orchestra, you know, theater, choir, all of that. I think we really have excelled in that. But, I do want to say, you know especially after COVID, our numbers are dwindling a lot, and so if anyone is willing to join orchestra, or any instrument, it’s such an amazing thing, and I think people are drawn away from it, they think, maybe it’ll take too much time. But I am so happy I stuck with it, it made me appreciate music so much. I definitely think DHS is doing a great job.”

Q: Do you think anyone who doesn’t know violin/has no prior experience could be able to learn at DHS?

A: “Yeah definitely. I mean, we’re always open to more people, even if you’re a senior and you want to try a violin, we’re open to anything. We’re especially you know, aiming for those 8th graders, incoming Freshmen. Pick any instrument that you’re drawn to, and I’m sure you’ll do great. It’s the best.”

Q: Do you plan on continuing to play the violin as you get older?

A: “I want to do everything and [anything] that I can. I plan on joining some orchestras. Outside of school, I already play in the Dearborn music symphony. I’ve been doing that since I was in 6th grade. So I definitely want to do some extra work with that. Solo work, I’ll perform solo, and I’ll join as many things as I can honestly. I definitely will not let it go.”

The EMU Honor String Orchestra concert was originally set to take place on Jan. 14, but the event has been postponed because of COVID-19. We are currently waiting for an exact date to be rescheduled.