If it is true that all the world’s a stage, Angelo Chip will have the spotlight all to himself for a few minutes Friday morning during MacArthur High School’s graduation ceremony.
The MHS 17-year-old senior has been selected to play a solo on his cello at the event and admits to being a bit anxious.
“I’m really nervous,” he said. “It’s a really big crowd. I don’t know if they want to hear Bach, or hear me play the cello, or just want to move along.”
Chip will play the Prelude from Bach's Cello Suite No. 3, the same piece he won Superior ratings for at State competition this year. Chip won a Superior rating for a cello solo at the OSSAA District Solo & Ensemble Contest, a Superior rating for a cello solo at the OSSAA State Solo & Ensemble Contest and a Superior rating for a music theory test at the OSSAA State Solo & Ensemble Contest.
If that wasn’t enough, he also earned a spot in the orchestra at this year’s Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute, something no Lawton student has done in several years, according to his orchestra teacher, Jessica Foster.
Foster said it isn’t unusual for students to earn Superior ratings at contest, although it takes a lot of hard work. She said the bigger achievement was clinching a spot at OSAI.
“You have to be nearly flawless,” Foster said of the level of proficiency required to be chosen to attend the annual summer arts camp at Quartz Mountain State Park. Getting into OSAI is almost as hard as being named to All-State, she said.
Attending the summer camp has been a goal of Chip’s since before he moved to Lawton from Hawaii last year. Chip said he is looking forward to playing in a larger ensemble at OSAI.
“I was very, very excited to get in,” he said. “I was not expecting to be picked. I really hope to hone my abilities. I hope it helps me get a lot better.”
Chip has been playing the cello for about seven years. He was introduced to the instrument on a trip to Germany where he saw someone playing the double bass. He said the double bass was too big for him, so he chose the smaller cello.
“I love the way it sounds,” Chip said of the instrument. “It is one of the more comfortable instruments to play in the orchestra.”
Chip said he is pretty much self-taught, although he was in the school orchestra when he was in Hawaii; he said he has had only a few private lessons.
Foster said Chip’s talent — and his attitude — are what sets him apart.
“Few students come through here with talent like his,” Foster said. “He is so humble. He is always striving to do better. He is always looking for something new to play. He is so kind to his classmates and helps them with their music. He is a positive role model for the orchestra class.”
Foster said Chip has really taken charge of his own learning.
“He listens to classical music and imitates what he hears,” she said. “He seeks out information on his own and is self-motivated.”
That self-motivation extends not only to the orchestra pit. Chip also is active in drama; he had the lead role in MHS’s production of “Big Fish” as well as the role of Roger in “Grease” in early April. He also enjoys reading and writing in his spare time.
Chip has received a $16,000 tuition fee waiver to the University of Oklahoma next year, where he plans to pursue a music degree and become a music teacher.
But first, there is the graduation solo to be performed.
“Since he made OSAI, I wanted him to show off his talents. Listening to him play is a special experience,” Foster said.
Next is OSAI to experience.
“He is going to be immersed in the world of classical music for two weeks with students who play at a high level. I think he will grow so much,” Foster said. “He will work with professional-level instructors and musicians. He will … experience and participate in a polished, professional-level concert.”
Traditionally, the two-week OSAI camp concludes with student performances, including one by the orchestra.
Will Foster attend the concert?
“I’m not going to miss it,” she said.
After graduation, Chip will spend the summer preparing for college and waiting for his next chance in the spotlight.