Sophia Collins is a senior at Divine Savior Holy Angels High (DSHA) High School and a member of MYSO’s Senior Symphony.  She has been playing violin for fourteen years, in addition to playing the piano. Sophia has also taken two years of Advanced Music Theory through MYSO with James Burmeister, whom she thanks for his lessons in music theory, inspiring her to keep composing. She plans to major in physics and minor in music in college. 

Sophia would like to thank her John Downey Creation Project mentor, Sam Ecoff, for all of his guidance and support throughout the composition process, as well as her violin teacher, Pamela Simmons, and piano teacher, Cherie Stein, for all of their support in her musical journey. Furthermore, Sophia would like to thank MYSO for five wonderful years as a member and this composition opportunity.

Program Notes:

Excelsior, or "higher" in Latin, is a reflection on the momentum of life. Its various melodies follow a path through an almost triumph, then the darkened times of perceived failure, and finally the resolute journey toward true fulfillment, all while acknowledging the beauty in life along the way.