Standout Student: Perpich’s Violin Virtuoso
Junior Ash Wood is doing special things at the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley. Wood is one of Perpich’s talented young musicians, who excels at the violin.
“We’re really excited to have him in the program,” said Ilah Raleigh, an instructor at Perpich. “He brings a lot as a musician and as a scholar. He’s a good student.”
In March, Wood had a chance to play at the prestigious MacPhail Center for Music and performed as a violin soloist.
“It went well,” Wood said. “It was a good time.”
The concert gave Wood a chance to showcase his musical abilities.
“To have a huge range of players behind you, accompanying you is a totally different experience,” Wood said. “It makes it a lot more immense, a lot more grand.”
Playing for the Enjoyment
The power of music can affect people in a variety of ways. Wood knows this but says he has no specific message when performing.
“I don’t think I am really trying to convey anything with my music,” Wood said. “I’m really just playing to enjoy it. If other people enjoy it, even better.”
Wood’s mom pushed him into playing an instrument as a youngster and it was a natural fit from the get go.
“Fairly early in my life I started out playing classical violin,” Wood said.
Despite his gift, Wood is not looking to pursue a career in music.
“He is so talented in music that I am surprised that he says he wants study something else,” Raleigh said. “But I understand because I have seen how focused he is in his academic classes.”
Whatever Wood does, there is still a good chance he will be involved in music.
“I can see him continuing with music,” Raleigh said. “I don’t see how you walk away from that type of passion.”
