Cameron Halsell’s love for music was totally unplanned but impossible to ignore. He first picked up a viola as a fifth-grader at Hardy Oak Elementary School. He had no idea that one strings class would eventually lead to him becoming one of the best young musicians in the state.
The Reagan High School senior is now a two-time All-State viola player. Thousands of musicians across the state audition for this honor, but less than 100 are selected. Halsell has had many musical influences over the years, but he’ll never forget his time with Reagan Orchestra Director Sixto Elizondo.
“As a conductor, I have a whole lot of respect for him,” said Halsell. “He’s in love with music and he takes that seriously. He doesn’t act like we’re just a high school orchestra – he treats us like professionals. He expects a lot from us and that’s something I like a lot.”
The professionalism Halsell learned from his time with the Reagan Orchestra prepared and inspired him to pursue music in college. After a lengthy audition process, Halsell was accepted into the College of Music at the University of Colorado Boulder. He hopes to pursue a double major in viola performance and electrical engineering.
“I really wanted to try and keep playing viola in college because I really enjoy it. And electrical engineering just sounds like something I’d be interested in. It just sounds like me.”
While music has been a defining passion for Halsell, his teachers at Hardy Oak, Lopez Middle School and Reagan have been incredible motivators.
“I like it when my teachers clearly care about what they’re teaching you,” said Halsell. “They’re knowledgeable about their subjects and they want to answer your questions and will do anything to help you. That’s what stands out to me.”
A love of music that started at Hardy Oak, continued at Lopez and was refined at Reagan will stay with Halsell for the rest of his life.
Congratulations, Cameron! Good luck to you and the rest of the Class of 2021!
