When one meets Asa Maynard ’10, the first things one notices are his genuine smile, enthusiasm, and outgoing nature. It is usually not until much later when one would find out that he happens to be a very talented bass player, or that he goes to New York every Saturday to take lessons at the Julliard School of Music as part of the pre-college Orchestra.
From Gilford, Connecticut, Asa, originally a day student for two years, is now a border in Hill House. In addition to being a member of Chamber Orchestra and the Arts Concentration for the bass, Asa’s other main passion is with Chinese. Last year, he took a term abroad in China to further excel in the language.
Asa has been playing the Bass for a total of six years. The classes at Julliard include students in grades five through twelve and include music theory in addition to individual training for each instrument.
With his intense practices to prepare for his pre-college division audition last spring, Asa admitted it was a challenge to balance with Choate’s academic requirements, but his efforts were rewarded when he became part of the division last June. Thinking back, he remembers in 6th grade where his school orchestra took a field trip to see the New Haven Symphony’s “Prodigy Concert,” featuring an 11-year old violinist who studied at Juilliard pre-college. Moved by her immense talent and passion for music, it became his goal to study at Juilliard one day.
The bond with his instrument started in fifth grade when each student was required to pick between orchestra, band, or chorus in order to fulfill his or her music requirement. After choosing to play the Bass, he began to take lessons once a month. He enjoyed playing through seventh grade but his real interest peaked around his seventh grade year. It was then, he shared that he made his “well-rounded transition.” The summer before eighth grade, Asa attended a music camp where he was inspired by the many talented students around him. It was then the bass officially became “[his] thing,” and he began studying various composers and practicing two hours daily.
“Arts concentration is the best thing for me at Choate,” Asa says. Not only did he make more friends who shared the same enthusiasm towards music, he grew so much as musician and a person as well because of the program. “My fellow members of Arts Concentration are what keep me going during the long days in the practice room and grueling rehearsals,” he says. “Being down in the PMAC every afternoon together has caused a special bond to form between us. I love them all.”
Classes at Choate, especially AP Music Theory with Mr. Valentine was not only a fun class in general but helped him jump four music theory levels at Julliard. This year he had his first professional performance with the Wallingford Symphony, gaining experience and inspiration as a musician. “There’s something magical about ensemble playing, whether in a chamber group or an orchestra – everyone connecting with such a love for music and working to relay the beauty of the notes on the page to an audience through interpretation of every nuance that the composer indicates. In order to do this properly, everyone really has to abandon all self-interest and be one with one another. That’s the main reason that music is so important to me – that feeling of unity is simply indescribable.” Looking back, it could be said that ninety percent of the good things that happened to him have been because of music. He has since traveled many places with the Chamber Orchestra as well as competed in numerous competitions.
Neither of Asa’s parents are serious musicians but nevertheless, they are supportive and excited for his achievements in his summer camp and his recognition in the Julliard pre-college division. They have neither opposed nor pressured his talent, only trusting that he practices. While it was cool as a twelve or thirteen year old to play a musical instrument, Asa now regards practicing and his instrument as something to take seriously. “Not only do you have to be conscientious because you are your own teacher, but improving as a musician requires commitment at a young age.” Asa states. While Asa is still not sure whether he wants to become a professional bassist and become part of the competitive profession, playing the bass will always be part of his life. Smiling, he shares that attending a conservatory at the end of high school would definitely be rewarding. “My goals today are even more far-reaching than back when I was 11, but my music friends continue to inspire me and motivate me to dream bigger and stretch myself as far as possible.”
