Musician says success comes from practice

Alicia Hollis is a cellist in the renowned Virtuosi of Houston, a young artists’ chamber orchestra.

She is one of 42 members from around the greater Houston area from 25 schools. The Virtuosi of Houston performs downtown throughout the year in the Zilkha Hall of the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Alicia said that when she began playing her cello four years ago, she did not anticipate reaching this level of success and finds it exciting. To those who would follow in her footsteps, she says, “The one thing that will separate you from the slackers and put you with the professionals is practice. It definitely worked for me. It made me what I am today really.”

Name: Alicia Hollis

School: Wunderlich Intermediate School

Age: 14

Grade: 8

Accomplish: On the Honor Roll, participated in writing in Klein Academic competition, received honorable mention in Scholastic Writing Competition, member of Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, received excellent in solo ensemble in school orchestra, president of National Junior Honor Society.

Favorite Class: “Orchestra because it’s where I get to play my favorite instrument. I have played for four years.”

Favorite thing to do after class:  “I like to go to the park and hang out with friends. When I’m at home I like to practice.”

Favorite book: “ ‘The Gray Wolf Throne,’ because it’s a fantasy book. The way the author wrote the book was very intriguing and very entertaining for me.”

Favorite song: “Limit To Your Love” by Jason Blake

Favorite Website:  Tumblr.com

Favorite TV Show:  “ ‘Family Guy’ because it’s funny.”

Favorite movie: “ ‘Avatar,’ because when I first went to see it in the movies, it was the awesomeist movie, especially with the sci-fi and the special effects.”

Ambition:  “Go to college, get a degree. I don’t know what degree but a degree definitely.”