My City September 2021

MYMUSIC

GREENLEE HONED HIS SKILL AT INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

PHOTO PROVIDED BY INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

F or the performance, Green lee gathered a number of his friends to play “Clarinet Quintet in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 10, Mvmt 2” by Samuel Coleridge Taylor. He was joined by Aiden Krieger (violin), Valerie Xu-Friedman (violin), Emma Boyd (viola) and Gabriel Hen nebury (cello). “It was so much fun to record music with my friends and an honor to be featured on ‘From the Top’,” adds Greenlee. “It was a complete surprise and playing on the Juneteenth episode was a great way to honor the contributions of African-American composers.” With the prize money, Greenlee purchased a much-needed new clarinet. “Really, you need two – a B-flat and an ‘A’ clarinet,” he laughs. “For a long time, I had to rent an ‘A’ clarinet

whenever I needed it and was never sure what I was going to get. Now, I can make sure it is maintained as it should be.” Even after all his success and awards, Greenlee is still not entirely sure how he got here. “I’ve had a lot of help,” he says, “and I found a path through music. I love how different it can be – the different ways of playing, interpretations. It can be approached in countless ways and I love the freedom I have to express each piece my own way.” For now, Greenlee is preparing to attend his first semester of college in Ann Arbor. He is not entirely sure where it will lead, but he is ready for the journey and will keep his eyes open for any possibility. He advises young musicians to do the same. “When you find out what you love to do, explore it.

When you play, explore everything that is possible and listen to as much as you can. Music is everywhere and with music, any future is possible.” x

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