Emily Erdman was sneaking into preschool music classes when she realized her passion for violin.

For Erdman, the violin was love at first sight, and over fourteen years that passion only grew. Now a senior, Erdman will represent Seminole High School in the 2016 All-National Honors Symphony Orchestra.

“I’ve been playing ever since [I was young] and it’s always just been a major part of my life,” says Erdman.

This year will be Erdman’s first in the national orchestra after performing the past five years in the All-State Orchestra. This event, which will be held this November in Grapevine, Texas, accepts students based on an audition submitted in May. Over the summer, Erdman received word that she had been selected to play with the prestigious group.

However, the national orchestra is only the latest among many musical accomplishments over the years for Erdman. She serves as concertmistress for both Seminole’s orchestra and the Florida Youth Symphony Orchestra (FSYO). As concertmistress, Erdman is considered the best violinist in the orchestra who assists the conductor lead the other musicians.

“[As concertmistress,] it has been a lot of fun making new friends in orchestra and spending time each day to make music with other students,” says Erdman.

During her three years with the Seminole orchestra, Erdman has performed in several concerts as well as the annual Music Performance Assessment (MPA). The past two years, the orchestra has received a Superior, the highest possible rating.

“[Emily’s] passion shows through in everything that she plays and every time you hear her it makes you want to be better,” says sophomore orchestra member Ruhi Lankalapalli. “She always makes sure that everyone understands.”

Erdman reflects on her growth over the past years playing violin, from the ten seasons with FSYO to her most recent accomplishment with the national orchestra. According to Erdman, the violin is an instrument that takes many skills to master, even before starting to play songs. In order to reach her level of skill, she dedicates over an hour each day to perfecting her music.

“There are a lot of specific details. You have to learn just to be able to hold the violin and bow correctly,” she notes.

Hard work and dedication have brought Erdman to the national orchestra, and she intends to continue pursuing music throughout her life. Erdman plans to double major in Violin Performance and perhaps play in chamber groups as an adult.

“Playing the violin requires a lot of hard work and practice,” says Erdman. “Sometimes it might seem like it’s too time consuming or too hard, but if you keep working hard and persevering it will all be worth it in the end.”