Standout Student: Armstrong High School's Rachel Olson Plays at Carnegie Hall

Playing the cello puts Rachel Olson at ease.

“I really love cello because it has such rich tones and really brings out emotions in me I couldn’t express in other ways,” says the Armstrong senior.

Olson started playing cello in fourth grade and by fifth grade she earned a seat with the Robbinsdale All-District Orchestra. This year Olson is a principal cellist for the Minnesota All-State Orchestra. That position led to a unique an amazing opportunity. Olson was selected for High School Honors Performance Series and played a concert at Carnegie Hall with some of the best student musicians in the world.

“They have 10,000 people who audition and only 600 get in so I’m so honored and blessed and I can’t believe it,” said Olson.

Armstrong orchestra teacher Kevin Martin has watched Olson’s evolve as a cellist and says the key to her success is steady progression.

“Practice is the key word but careful practice, being thoughtful about how you approach the music, how you manage your technique, being careful to practice with good technique so you’re building good foundational skills as you go and Rachel’s done that,” said Martin.

Olson admitted being a little to nervous to play a world famous venue like Carnegie Hall but also called it one of the “coolest experiences of her life.”

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