Music at the View: More Than Performance
For many students at Mountain View High School, music isn't just notes—it's a community and a way of life. Junior Nikoloz Matiashvili, who has played piano for 10 years and guitar for three, says, "Music has changed my life for the better. I would be a very sad person without it—it fills my house with melodies that my family loves, and has brought me out into the community."
Beyond learning notes and rhythms, students develop focus, patience, and teamwork. Junior cello player Sawyer Kester notes, "Playing cello has made my brain much more active and improved my cognitive performance significantly, along with heightening the speed of my thoughts and reactions."
The influence of music reaches beyond practice rooms. Clarinet player Madeline Emerson explains, "Through pursuing music, I've become a much better listener who adapts to people around me. I've come to realize when I should be the main focus and when I should support someone else. Learning different roles in music has correlated to learning different roles in those around me." Orchestra students describe how performing brings them closer to friends, teachers, and the community, creating moments of shared Wildcat pride.
For some, music continues beyond high school. Stafford alumnus Lucas Kral is double-majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Music at Iowa State University, playing oboe and English horn in the Symphony Orchestra. "Music has impacted me in such a positive manner. Many of the incredible people I have met are musicians," he shares. "At the end of the day, I also need an outlet to let out my emotions, and music has been that outlet for me." He received a music scholarship covering about a quarter of his tuition and hopes to work in instrument manufacturing and teach private lessons after graduation.
His mother, Jennifer Kral, a beloved teacher in the community, reflected on music's family impact: "My sons have been playing musical instruments since the sixth grade. Playing a musical instrument requires practice, dedication, and a time commitment. My children have learned teamwork, time management skills, and a lifelong love of music."
When asked what they'd tell students considering an instrument, responses were heartfelt. Junior violin player Elian Lara Hiciano advises, "Go for it. Let your kid follow their dream. There's no age limit to start learning an instrument." Nikoloz reminds aspiring musicians that the only real failure is having regrets about what you never tried. Lucas adds, "The worth of music is immeasurable. Even if it is just a hobby, putting work into something and seeing results is a powerful tool. Get started now rather than later; music has changed my life, and I would love to see it change others around me."
Music at the View is more than performance—it's passion, growth, and connection. Whether or not students pursue it professionally, the lessons they learn echo far beyond the classroom. In every melody they play, Wildcats are learning to listen, lead, and live with harmony.
