A young violinist's journey: from idaho to the lyceum symphony
A young musician with big talent
After driving across state lines with her parents, Danielle Pettis opens her violin case before taking her seat in the Lyceum Symphony. Danielle, a current AHS Worldwide student from Idaho, became the youngest student ever admitted into the Symphony at just 11 years old. Each week, she and her family travel from their rural hometown to American Heritage’s Salt Lake campus for rehearsals.
Danielle has been playing violin since she was 3 years old. Growing up in rural Idaho, opportunities to perform alongside other violinists were limited outside of private lessons. Her family first learned about American Heritage through the video “Savior, Redeemer of My Soul,” and later became involved when Danielle’s private teacher, a renowned violinist and recording artist, Jenny Oaks Baker, invited her to join the Lyceum Symphony.
For Danielle’s parents, the atmosphere of the orchestra stood out immediately:
“It is a Christ-centered program. How often do you find a symphony orchestra that is Christ-centered?”
Although Danielle was nervous when she first joined the orchestra, she quickly began finding connection with the musicians around her.
Across state lines
The drive to Salt Lake has become a familiar routine for the Pettis family. This trip takes more than an hour and a half to attend rehearsals on campus. In a rural community, musical opportunities for young violinists can be hard to come by, making the weekly drive worthwhile for the family.
So that lessons could be timed around Symphony rehearsals, Jenny Oaks Baker adjusted Danielle’s private lesson schedule so they could happen around rehearsals. Even so, this long journey can still be exhausting at times.
Though, despite the repetitive travel, Danielle’s parents have explained that she loves and finds belonging within the fellowship of the group. Her parents devotion to foster and grow their child’s passion for music was obvious to me when they told me:
“Because she loves it, we love it too.”
Over time, the long drives have become meaningful family time. During the trip, they read, hold family gospel study, sing, talk, and play games together on the road.
Joining the Symphony at such a young age was intimidating at first. Surrounded by older musicians in a new environment, Danielle gradually became more confident week after week. Her parents watched her confidence grow as she spent time rehearsing and performing with the orchestra.
“We see her glow when she is playing with the Symphony.”
The experience has not only strengthened Danielle’s confidence, but also deepened her motivation and love for music.
During rehearsals, Danielle’s parents often spend time in the practice hall listening to the orchestra rehearse. The space includes a stained-glass window depicting Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appearing to Joseph Smith, something the family says adds to the peaceful atmosphere during rehearsals.
“The musicians are auditioned and play at such a quality level that it is a privilege to attend and is a great time.”
For the Pettis family, the Symphony has become more than a weekly rehearsal. Through the music, Danielle has found friendships, encouragement, and a community of peers who share her love for music. Despite the long hours on the road each week, the experience has become a meaningful part of their family life.
I am a service missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints with a focus on Christ‑centered education and its ability to strengthen lives worldwide. I’m a passionate writer who is a strong advocate for mental health and personal growth.
