Isabella Nichols is a senior at the Kettle Moraine High School of Health Sciences and a member of MYSO’s Senior Symphony. In addition to playing violin and piano, Isabella is passionate about social justice issues, serves as president of her school’s Unity Club, and has presented at the national Students for Equitable Education Summit. She will attend Vanderbilt University in the fall to study Music Composition and Sociology. She would like to thank her John Downey Creation Project mentor, Ron Foster, her music theory and composition teacher, Sam Ecoff, and her former John Downey mentor, Dr. Christian Ellenwood, for their endless encouragement and dedication to their students. She is also grateful for the support and mentorship of Carter Simmons in bringing this piece to life.
Composed during Isabella’s senior year at MYSO, Swan Song is a tribute to all of the music, friendships, and memories made there.