Senior Spotlight: Ben Schirmeier, Percussion

What is your current AYPO ensemble?

AYP, Percussion Ensemble

What AYPO ensembles have you played in and for how long?

AYP and Percussion Ensemble for 2 years (2021-2022, 2022-2023), Summer String Academy in 2021.

Your advice for young musicians?

Stick with it! Music is truly a life long skill. It has been a vehicle for my creativity, it has enabled me to forge connections with a diverse group of individuals, and it has provided me with listening and learning skills that I cannot say I would glean from any other pursuit. While you will have auditions or performances that go poorly, know that playing music it is well worth it in the long term.

What college/university do you plan on attending this fall?

Dartmouth College, English and Music

A favorite, or memorable AYPO experience?

A memorable moment from AYPO was the blackout during our performance of Sibelius's Symphony No. 2 in my Junior year. It was crazy that we were able to play in the dark and managed to continue the piece.

What do you hope to do after graduation or your more long-term goals?

I'm really not sure what I want my career path to be yet, but I know that I want to keep music in my life, make a positive impact on my community, and forge strong relationships with others.

What musician, conductor, or orchestra inspires you and why?

I am inspired by Wieland Welzel, the timpanist for the Berliner Philharmoniker. I look up to his energy and versatility as a percussionist.