Peer Interviews: Zach Allen and Akosua Haynes

This month CMPI includes another peer-to-peer interview between fellows. Enjoy this pair of interviews between oboe fellow Zach Allen and cello fellow Akosua Haynes.

What grade are you in and where do you go to school?

I’m a freshman at Walter Payton College Prep.

What inspired you to play cello?

I started when I was 3. I went to a concert with my mom and heard someone playing cello and I really liked it, so my mom got me started with lessons.

What’s your favorite thing about your instrument?

I like playing songs I hear on the radio, or just songs I like. Learning stuff by ear is really fun, and it’s cool to be able to play certain things for my friends.

What are some of your hobbies outside of music?

Outside of music, I really like sailing. My family is part of the Jackson Park Yacht club, so I’ve been sailing ever since I was 7.

What ensembles do you play in?

I play in the Hyde Park Youth Symphony.

What have you been working on recently?

I’ve recently been working on my auditions for summer festivals. It’s been stressful but very cool. I actually got a full scholarship to the Lucerne Summer Festival, and I’m still waiting to hear from a few others.

What are your career aspirations after college?

I definitely don’t want to be a soloist. I think I would like to play in an orchestra because there’s a better sense of community in a large group compared to just playing by yourself.

If you weren’t planning on pursuing music in college, what would you study?

Mechanical engineering

What grade are you in and where do you go to school?

I’m a junior at Niles West High School.

What inspired you to play the oboe?

I started out playing the cello but switched to oboe, in the 7th grade, after hearing an oboe solo while at Camp Interlochen. I went home and told my mom I wanted to switch instruments.

What’s your favorite thing about your instrument?

I like the role the oboe plays in the orchestra. There’s a lot of opportunities for solos.

What are some of your hobbies outside of music?

I like biking. It’s not super serious. During the first few months of the pandemic I’d get together with friends and we’d go biking. I also just like hanging out with friends.

What ensembles do you play in?

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and Music Institute of Chicago.

What have you been working on recently?

In early May I’ll be performing a piece for the From the Top radio program. I’ll also be interviewed by the host. I got accepted into the National Youth Orchestra’s summer program. I’ve been wanting to attend since 7th grade. I’m looking forward to playing with them.

What are your career aspirations after college?

I hope to be a principal oboist with an orchestra.

If you weren’t planning on pursuing music in college what would you study?

Psychology