Music program pays off for student

Laura Everett may seem like any other Whitworth freshman. She enjoys watching late night movie marathons, going ice blocking in the laundry room and visiting Taco Bell at 2 a.m. However, under her common exterior, Everett holds a special talent: she is an award-winning pianist.

Playing piano is more than just fun for Everett. She has played in, and won, many musical competitions and recitals.

Everett’s most recent competition and recital was the Whitworth Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition.

To prepare, Everett worked on one designated concerto for a year, in addition to her four to five other practice pieces. The competition had approximately 15 students auditioning with accompaniment. Everett’s private instructor played along with her.

“We played for judges from different universities,” Everett said. “They got back to us the next day. I was informed I was going to be able to play with the Whitworth Orchestra.”
Everett was one of four winners. There was one vocalist, two violinists and herself. Luckily, her 12 years of playing helped to quell Everett’s nerves before the concert.
“I was nervous more before than when I actually got up on stage,” Everett said. “It is usually what happens to me. It was nerve-wracking; the whole orchestra depends on you.”

Everett said her main inspiration came from her high school piano teacher, Judy Baker. She, along with Everett’s parents, provided support through long hours of practice and helped motivate her throughout high school and junior high.

Everett chose to come to Whitworth after spending time here with her brother, junior Ben Everett, and exploring the music program while still in high school.

“My brother is here, so that was a big factor,” Everett said. “I was able to figure out a lot about the school before I even got here. After auditioning for the music program and getting sufficient scholarships I figured [Whitworth] was the best place for me.”

Everett is a music ministry major. She hopes to someday help lead worship at a church, though her career is still open for future possibilities. For now she is just welcoming new lessons from the Whitworth music program.

“I enjoy the music program; it’s not too large, so I can know the people, interact and learn a lot from my music instructor,” Everett said.

Contact Sophie Sestero at sophie.sestero@whitworthian.com.

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