Fine Arts Student of the Week: Senior spreads joy through music

Grace Ruopp

Grade: 12th grade.

Age: 17.

Art focus: Wind Symphony.

Adviser nomination: “Grace is a phenomenal percussionist in our top band, Wind Symphony, as well as band president. She is active in leading percussion ensemble sectionals and rehearsals as well as playing in the jazz ensembles and pit orchestra. She does everything with kindness, dependability and excellence,” adviser Christopher Fogderud said.

Memorable fine arts achievement: All-state percussionist.

Artist most admired: Vince Guaraldi Trio.

Instruments: Percussion and piano.

Ensembles: Wind symphony and jazz ensembles.

Which instrument is your favorite to play, and why? My favorite instruments to play are auxiliary percussion. I love when a song gives me the opportunity to set up a complex trap table, and challenges my ability to multitask.

Favorite piece you’ve performed: My favorite piece I have ever performed is “Blue Shades” by Frank Ticheli. I played Percussion I in my sophomore year, and to this day listen to the recording of our performance at the Music Showcase to lift my mood.

Favorite genre to play: My favorite genre to play is jazz. I play both jazz drums and jazz piano, and this type of music always offers a unique challenge.

What do you enjoy most about the ensembles you’re in? The most valuable part of all of the ensembles I have been a part of have been the relationships formed with other musicians. Over the last three years, I have met and grown close to people who I cannot imagine my life without today, and definitely would not have gotten to know without this program.

Other extracurricular activities: Student Council President, soccer, soccer coaching and jazz ensemble II.

Dream job: Own and operate my own boutique inn in or around the Boston area.

Favorite movie: “Secondhand Lions.”

Favorite TV show: “Gilmore Girls.”

Favorite book: “Jurassic Park” by Michael Crichton.

Favorite musical artist: Billy Joel.

Favorite song: “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel.

Favorite subject: AP psychology.

Favorite food: Cub Foods deli sandwiches.

Hobbies: Embroidery, reading and hiking.

Parents: Nate and Diana Ruopp

A girl posing for a picture. — Grace Ruopp.

By
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Fine Arts Student of the Week: Senior spreads joy through music

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