Violet Block

  • Program: INTEMPO
  • School: Roxbury Elementary
  • Location: Stamford, Connecticut
  • Instrument: Viola & Guitar

Violet Block is part of the music program at INTEMPO in Stamford, Connecticut. She's in fifth grade and plays the viola and guitar.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who nominated you? How long have you been playing your instrument?

My name is Violet and I have been playing the viola for about 3 years. I started learning on Zoom because of Covid which was very hard. When I went back in person I started to pick it up fairly quickly. I was nominated by INTEMPO Music School.

What has music and your program taught you?

I wasn’t such a good viola player at first. I kept practicing and was invited to join some advanced players. It showed me that if you practice and set the bar high good things will happen. My teacher, Mr. Benn, has challenged me with new songs, different parts of the pieces and invited me to play with older and more advanced students. This has given me confidence, and that confidence has enabled me to become a better player

What is your favorite piece of music to play?

I like Dragon Hunter by Richard Mayer. It was the first piece of music I learned to play well. It is cool and has a unique sound. I learned codas, dotted half notes, upbows and downbows, as well as ties/slurs.

What do you like to do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?

I like to write short stories, read, shop, eat, spend time with friends and family, and, of course, play my viola.

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

I like writing because it really lets me express my creativity and I feel as though it is something I am good at.

What are your plans for the future?

I will have my Bat Mitzvah in about a year. In preparation, you choose a project that helps others. I plan to play music to the sick and elderly at hospitals and care facilities. I think this will bring joy and happiness, like it does for me.