Young Arkansas talent: Hannah Cruse

Attending a NCAFAE chamber music concert in the 5th grade, Hannah Cruse fell in love with the rich, complex tone of the oboe. She knew what she wanted to be when she grew up: oboe player. Having a love for orchestra music, she became a member of the Arkansas symphony’s Youth Orchestra Program and is now in her 4th year, serving as principal oboe. The Youth Symphony bestowed the Flake Music Camp Scholarship to Hannah at the 2009 Opus Ball.

Music has taught Hannah to work hard, believe in herself, and take chances. National competitions have tested her character and oboe skills. Hannah won 2nd place at the 2008 national MTNA intermediate competition and placed 2nd in the 2009 NFMC Comstock performance competition.

Hannah is also a very good piano player. After trying to make the perfect oboe reed, she releases her frustrations at the piano. She plays piano and organ regularly at the Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Fairfield Bay, Ark. Composing is also a favorite pastime activity. In 2009, she was honored to win the NFMC Lynn Freeman Olson Composition Contest.

Hannah hopes to someday perform in a professional symphony. She loves to hear and feel the sounds being created all around her while playing in an orchestra. Hannah wants to share her passion with audiences and inspire a love of music in others. She can’t wait to spend a summer at music camp experiencing orchestra everyday, meeting other enthusiastic musicians, and expanding her horizons. Hannah is fortune to have never-ending encouragement, support, and inspiration from her teachers Dr. Dan Ross, oboe and Dr. Sarah Weston, piano.

Hannah resides in Edgemont, Ark. She takes high school courses from Scholars Online and communicates with students and teachers from all over the nation.  She enjoys rousing conversations in literature and philosophy as well as water skiing on Greers Ferry Lake. Of course, none of these things are quite as great as listening to a symphony on a rainy day!

Young Arkansas Talent Concert presented by NCAFA&E on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church. Students attend free, adults are $8 and NCAFA&E members are $6.