The last note of the piece “Gabriel’s Oboe” from “Cinema Paradiso” echoes throughout the room and is quickly replaced with the sound of applause. After a bow to the audience, Sophomore Nathania Hartojo walks off the stage with the Grace Ministry International Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Hartojo started taking commissions, performing as a flutist for concerts starting from two years ago through her father’s contacts. The first commissions were only for GMIYSO, but they grew to include celebrations and dinner parties. She has also taken up commissions as an oboist.
“I determine whether or not to accept commissions depending on how much time I have until I’m needed,” Hartojo said. “The difficulty of the piece also matters, because I don’t want to accept something I can’t do.”
Hartojo takes music lessons and is a part of the Colburn Wind Ensemble, Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra and GMIYSO outside of school. She plans to try out for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association All Southern California High School Honor Band in December, a group that works with many esteemed musicians. She also plays for her own church and the Grace Ministry International Church in Fullerton. At school, Hartojo is a member of band and an apprentice student director.
“School and commissions do clash at times, either because of the time I need to practice, or the date I’m needed,” Hartojo said. “I also have a lot of extracurriculars now.”
During the end of her freshman year, Hartojo tried out for and received a full scholarship at Colburn, a world-class performing arts school, to improve her skills. She began her studies at Colburn this September and goes there after school on Mondays and Thursdays.
“Colburn is a spectacular school and everything about it is so great—the administrators and students are really nice, and the teachers are world renowned,” Hartojo said. “I’m really happy I was able to join such amazing people.”
Hartojo receives commission of varying amounts. Although she does not wish to release the amount she earns, most of the profit does not go directly to her. Her parents handle the money instead.
“I have no hard feelings towards my parents managing the money I receive,” Hartojo said. “They’re saving it up for things like college for me, so I understand.”
Lately, the amount of work from both school and musical activities has lowered the number of commissions Hartojo can take. Balancing her musical events proves difficult at times, but she makes it clear with her passion that she does not regret starting and plans on continuing.
“I’m getting paid to do something I love with people who share my own interest,” Hartojo said. “I get to learn new techniques and pass on others that I’ve learned, and the whole thing is a really great experience that I recommend.”
TCHS School Newspaper