Finding her sound
Student violinist draws inspiration from folk, bluegrass
Most young adults who come to college will bring their favorite books, blankets or décor to help make themselves feel at home. Dansville freshman Rockelle Bushard brought her favorite instrument, a European violin, made in the early 1940’s.
Bushard started playing the violin at 4 years old and has been continuously playing for 13 years. She has played in the Mid-Michigan Youth Symphony for three years, performing in East Lansing, as well as playing at weddings.
“I first started playing at a really young age,” said Bushard. “My family and I went to the Wheatland Festival and I saw someone playing the violin and loved it. I threw a temper tantrum because I wanted one so bad, then I got one. I guess I was just drawn to it.”
When she first started, Bushard learned how to play classical music. It came naturally to her. Since then, she has moved on to different genres, and chooses them based on her mood and audience.
“If I’m really stressed out I’ll play some classical because it calms my mind," Bushard said. "If I’m happy I’ll play bluegrass because it’s more upbeat and exciting. When I’m with other people I usually play popular songs that they’ll know, too.”
Music has always been a part of her life. Her sister, Taylor, is currently studying music at Bellmont University and plays guitar. Their mother, Donna, is the lead singer in a band and also plays guitar.
“I remember when she was little and she first heard the violin,” said Bushard’s mother. “She just told us flat out, ‘I’m gonna play the fiddle!’ and so we found her one when she was four and signed her up for community lessons at Michigan State. It’s amazing how she can sight read music. I can’t even do that.
In the beginning of the semester, Bushard auditioned for the CMU Symphony Orchestra, an all student orchestra that performs throughout the school year. After preparing a piece, she went to audition and gave it her all, but finding a place in the orchestra will have to wait for now.
“Everyone at the audition was really nice. I played classical and bluegrass for them and they seemed to like it. I was told that they wanted me in the orchestra after I took a couple lessons with an instructor. I have to work on my formal style for a little bit and come back next semester,” Bushard said.
Bushard also plays guitar and piano. Although she is multi-talented, the violin is her favorite because she finds it the most interesting. She does not plan to major in music but would like to take some classes, and is planning on majoring in optometry.
“I think that Rocky is really talented,” said Grand Ledge freshman Faith Gray, her roommate. “It’s interesting living with someone who plays music. We get to listen to her practice and sometimes it can be really soothing when were all stressed out. I like it when were hanging out and she’ll just play.”
