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Mara Burch

Music con Brio first brought the violin to Mara, in the fall of 2012. Learning to play the violin through Music con Brio has been a highlight of Mara’s life. 

Mara studied with Music con Brio’s Executive Director Carol Carlson from fourth grade through the summer of her freshman year. She then began playing in WYSO-Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra. She is currently in her second year with WYSO playing in their Philharmonia Orchestra and continues to study privately with Ms. Carol. 

Mara’s love of music and the violin have been amazing outlets for her as she has grown from child to teenager. Playing her violin provides Mara an opportunity to excel at something she loves. The beauty and joy of music can be heard in her playing and it was Music con Brio that brought music to her life. Thank you, Ms. Carol and all of Music con Brio!

Reid DeThorne

Reid DeThorne was part of the first group of Music con Brio students at Emerson Elementary when he started playing the violin with his friend Cooper in 1st grade.  Over the years, he has continued playing with Music con Brio as well as with other musical groups around Madison. He currently plays violin in the WYSO Philharmonia as well as the WYSO Chamber Music ensemble and he also participates in pit orchestras for several musical productions around the area.

According to Reid, playing the violin has taught him so much more than just how to play music.  He has also learned focus and discipline through practicing the violin. Music con Brio allowed Reid to take both partner and group lessons near his home at his elementary school and also gave him the opportunity to perform in concerts along-side professional musicians in venues all around the Madison area.  Reid’s favorite memory is playing with The Big Payback at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.

Reid is currently a 9th grade student at Madison West, where he plays viola in the freshman orchestra and string bass in the jazz band.

Quote from Reid:

“I enjoyed my time in Music con Brio because i got to play music with my friends and it helped make me into  the musician I am today.”