KEVIN ROGERS, violin

NAME: Kevin Rogers

AGE: 19

INSTRUMENT: Violin

HOMETOWN: Conway, SC

SCHOOL: South Carolina School of Music in Columbia, SC

EMF before: Third summer at EMF

WHY EMF? I chose EMF because of a lot of reasons, some of which I can't really explain, just like I can't explain why I'm friends with someone, I can't explain some of the amazing things about EMF. The conductors are wonderful, they know how to rehearse proficiently as well as making the experience very enjoyable. Sometimes orchestra rehearsals can be very long and tedious but at EMF I don't really remember that being a part of rehearsal, some days I didn't want rehearsal to end. I also am going back because of some of the guest artist that are coming. Because I'm a violinist, I can't wait to see Joshua Bell, William Preucil, and Roberto Diaz. The Repertoire this year is going to be amazing. Last year we played amazing stuff, but this year is very exciting. Things like The Rite of Spring...I can't wait.

First heard: I heard about EMF from my youth symphony conductor while I was in High School. His name is Dr. Evans, and he Conducts the Long Bay Symphony. He told me about his experiences as well as his now wife's experiences there, and how much they learned and how much going there would help me. So I went my junior year in High School and I've been going ever since.

Career: Professional, I seek to be a violinist. I want my University teacher's job. I want to play in Professional symphonies near my University, and in the Summer I want to teach and play ata summer music festival. I want to be involved in chamber and solo music. I'm not trying to be Joshua Bell, I know I can't do that for several reasons, but that still doesn't mean I can't play solo repertoire with other orchestras. So I kind of want to do it all, teach at a university, and play in orchestra, chamber, and solo events.

Favorite Piece: It's hard for me to pick a favorite piece of music. Usually the piece I am studying or performing at the time grows on me and that becomes my favorite piece of music. I appreciate the work so much more. So right now, that piece would be the Saint- Saens violin concerto in b. minor.