Freshman Krystan Haraden has been chosen to bow with the best at the All-state Philharmonic Orchestra competition and, for the second time, was accepted to attend the Sewanee Summer Music Festival during the summer.

“I’m really excited because I made it as a freshman, which not many people do,” Haraden said. “I’m nervous because it is very competitive. Everybody is looking for fresh meat to pick off their chair.”

Haraden was chosen to compete in All-State and to attend the Music Festival after sending in an audition tape with recordings of her playing specific compositions.

“To get ready for the All-State recording I practiced all summer and the whole fall semester,” Haraden said.  “And for the audition tape that I sent to the Sewanee program I would practice up to two hours a day to prepare.”

Haraden said that participating in both of the musical programs is a learning experience.

“There is really good competition at All-State, especially in the violins,” Haraden said. “And Sewanee gives you a really good orchestra experience.”

In addition to her second year of acceptance to the Sewanee Music Program, Haraden has also received scholarships from the program because of her success.

 “Last year I got a $900 scholarship and this year I got a $1000 scholarship,” said Haraden, who said 10 years of perfecting her skills as a musician has led her to the success she has today. “I’ve been playing the violin since I was five. Now I’m at this level, which is really exciting.”