Specialists warned freshman Anna Kasper about participation in extracurricular activities because of her hearing impairment. Despite this, Kasper said she exceeds expectations when she plays violin in the high school orchestra and runs cross country.

Kasper said professionals informed her of potential dangers from involvement in certain activities.

“When I was younger, my mom told me the audiologist would often recommend not playing an instrument, doing intense sports like soccer or cross country and other things for they were afraid it would damage my hearing further,” Kasper said.

Kasper said others often do not expect her to be able to play the violin.

“Socially, some people are surprised to hear I play an instrument, especially with my hearing loss,” Kasper said.

However, orchestra director Miriam Edgar said Kasper participates in orchestra, makes an effort to overcome challenges and constantly improves her accuracy.

“She works really hard so that she is able to be correct when playing,” Edgar said

According to Kasper, higher-level pieces present more challenges and her hearing impairment can affect her when playing.

“As music pieces get more complicated, my ability to hear is used more. Often in long rehearsals, it’s very strenuous and energy-consuming,” Kasper said. “(My hearing impairment) also impacts the way I play, since I’m never really sure if the pitch is right or not.”

According to Edgar, Kasper’s hearing loss also causes her to face problems during class time in orchestra.

“One challenge is that when we are actually playing a piece she may not be able to hear my instructions,” Edgar said. “On top of that, she can’t always be watching her music, me and the interpreter at the same time, so she definitely has to multitask.”

Kasper said picking out the sounds of other instruments in music pieces and adjusting her pitch presents difficulties.

“Listening to how other instruments come in the song and playing with it (is challenging),” Kasper said. “Tempo can be a challenge and also knowing if the pitch on my violin is wrong.”

In preparation for concerts, rehearsals and orchestra class, Kasper sad she works outside of school to improve.

“Usually, I try to do some practices the days before that are an hour or more to refine my skills on the pieces we play,” Kasper said.

Edgar said Kasper enjoys orchestra and contributes to the program.

“(Kasper) has a great sense of humor. She has a lot of enthusiasm. She works very hard. I think she brings a lot of spirit to her section and our class,” Edgar said.

Edgar said she hopes for Kasper to have success this year and she feels excited for her future experiences in orchestra.

“I think it’s been going good. She is a hard worker and she is committed to working hard,” Edgar said. “She is going on the New York trip as well which I think is really awesome.”

Despite the difficulties she faces, Kasper said she enjoys playing in the orchestra with more challenging music.

“Playing in an orchestra is priceless, though, because the people I play with are great people, and the sense of accomplishment from keeping up with a difficult piece (is) amazing,” Kasper said.