Colin Gunningham

Fall 2012

Tzigane by Maurice Ravel, featuring violinist Colin Gunningham. Colin is a 17-year-old senior at Ferndale High School. He began playing the violin in 5th grade at Skyline Elementary School in the school strings program because his grandmother had a violin and was willing to give it to him. In 6th grade he began private lessons and joined the Mt. Baker Youth Symphony where he played through 10th grade. At age 12 he began to study under Professor Grant Donnellan, with whom he continues to study today. He joined North Sound Youth Symphony in 2011 and has enjoyed the larger orchestral experience. It turns out that Grandma’s violin was actually much nicer that we all thought. It was crafted in 1769 (it’s older than our country) and continues to hold up well even with the demands of advanced string playing. Thanks Grandma!! Colin has been /will be a WMEA All-State participant all 4 high-school years. He also competed in the WMEA Solo and Ensemble Competition, and last year placed first at the regional competition and ranked in the top 12 at State. He has enjoyed playing in the Summer Sounds, Marrowstone and Chamber Days festivals. He tied for first place at last years’ Bellingham Music Club Nicholas Bussard Instrumental competition. When not playing the violin or doing schoolwork, Colin likes to cook, play videogames, hang out with his friends, and listen to TED talks. He hopes to attend the University of Washington next year, and is considering a career in healthcare.