BVNW student to play in the National Honors Orchestra

Music is more than just a hobby for Alex Vendetti. It's a part of who she is and where she'd like to be in the future. Vendetti, a senior at Blue Valley Northwest, hopes that music will be a part of her life for many years to come.

Because of her dedication to playing the string bass in orchestra, Vendetti has been nationally recognized for her talent. She was recently named one of two high school students from Kansas to perform in the National Honors Orchestra in California in February. The National Honors Orchestra is a part of the American String Teachers Association annual conference. Only 120 students in the nation are chosen for this honor each year. Students must submit audition tapes in order to be chosen.

"Alex is an extremely hard worker and she is someone who's made a decision to make music a priority," said her orchestra teacher Kathleen McCullough. "It's thrilling to see students apply themselves that way."

Vendetti started playing the string bass in fourth grade and was nearly immediately struck by her love of music. In addition to the bass, she also plays piano and guitar. In fact, the love of music runs in her family. Her father is a classical guitarist. Her brother is a singer-songwriter.

"What I love about orchestra is the people. I love being with a group of people who love music and who have different talents. It's so exciting when we all come together and create a beautiful sound," Vendetti said.

Vendetti practices at least two hours a day, honing her skills. In addition to playing in the Blue Valley Northwest orchestra, she has also been the principal bass in the Kansas City Youth Symphony for the last seven years.

Now in her senior year, Vendetti is thinking toward the future. One day she would like to be a professional musician, hopefully as a part of a large philharmonic orchestra. In the meantime, she's applying to music conservatories around the country.

"Music is a way you can express yourself," Vendetti said. "There are no limits, no rules; you can play however you want."

McCullough knows that her student's future is very bright.

"Alex has the work ethic and the ability to do whatever she wants to do," McCullough said. "I'm very proud of her."