Danielle Wilson

Danielle Wilson, a senior in the Independent Study program here at Berkeley High, started playing violin at the age of six. What was once a hobby has shaped Danielle’s life into what it is today.

During her adolescence, Danielle participated in several youth orchestras in the East Bay, including the Young People’s Chamber Orchestra, the Berkeley Youth Orchestra, and the Oakland Youth Orchestra. When the end of her junior year came around, Danielle challenged herself by auditioning for the highly exclusive San Francisco Youth Orchestra.
“Every week I’m surrounded by talented players from all over the Bay Area and have had many opportunities to work with world renowned conductors, composers, and musicians,” says Wilson. “Becoming a member of the youth orchestra has been an amazing experience.”

Danielle’s love for music and performance called for a change in schedule: “For my first two years at BHS I was a student in the International Baccalaureate program and later switched to Independent Studies to allow more time for my musical studies.”

Her commitment paid off: throughout her high school years, Danielle has been awarded first place in many musical competitions, including the Oakland East Bay Symphony Young Artist Competition and the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society Competitions.

Danielle uses her talent not only to her own advantage but for the benefit of others as well. During her senior year, Danielle volunteered in Oakland Public Schools, teaching orchestra to elementary students in a time when so many arts programs are facing massive budget cuts.

Despite her commitment to the community outside of Berkeley High, Danielle has found time to participate in BHS extracurriculars. She participated in the Dance Production class this year, expanding her skills in the arts.
Her dance teacher, Linda Carr, said about Danielle, “She’s a very calm, poised young woman. She has a strong sense of self, a deep connection with her mother, and a relentlessly positive attitude towards the world, and it’s clear that her experience as a musician with the San Francisco Youth Orchestra has shaped her professional attitude in the arts; Danielle was never once late to class, all year, even as an Independent Studies student.”

As a graduating senior, Danielle will remember Berkeley High by “the endless opportunities that have been available to me as a student. With a diverse course of classes available, I’ve been able to challenge myself academically and discover new interests.” Danielle is well prepared to attend the Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College in Ohio this fall as a violin performance major.