Musician in the Spotlight: Mary Kate Durnan

By Josee Li

For Mary Kate Durnan, the titles of concert mistress, first chair violin, and vice president of the orchestra and the music honors society at Council Rock North didn’t come from sheer luck. It all started 13 years ago when this talented musician first began playing the violin. Although she doesn’t remember why she chose this particular instrument, she’s glad she made the right choice. As the years of constant hard work in practicing, performing in recitals, and attending numerous lessons progressed, Mary Kate’s love for her violin grew.

In fact, she liked the violin and the orchestra so much that she began picking up other instruments as well. While a freshman, Mary Kate began playing her second instrument, the viola. Just a short year later, she began playing the cello as well.  Now 17 years old, Mary Kate takes her passion for orchestra to a whole new level as she proves her excellence in all three instruments, something that many teenagers cannot do. Mary Kate claims, “I just love the lower sounds of the orchestra, the techniques with every instrument, and how each instrument brings together the unique orchestral sound.”

But the orchestral sound isn’t the only thing being brought together. “What I love most about orchestra is how much of a family we are together,” Mary Kate states. “We just connect through our love for music.” The orchestra bonds over parties and get-togethers, where Mary Kate and her friends prove to be the perfect examples of the musical passion that thrives at CRN.

Mary Kate is the quintessence of a young musician taking her resources and her passion to not only expose her musical talent to the public, but also get involved in the community. She spends many hours organizing orchestra fundraisers, along with providing free music at previous fall festivals on her electric violin. Mary Kate has even been hired to play at weddings. The violinist plays all genres of music, ranging from pop to classic. Her favorite piece? Simple. Just the 42-minute-long Dvorak’s New World Symphony.

Mary Kate is a stunning musician who has benefited from over a decade of hard work and dedication. Her leadership and talent provide a great inspiration to those around her.

Mary Kate can be always found available in the band room for signatures, single file line please!

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