Mikaela Nilo, Violin
Has played with the Salina Symphony since: 2021
Hometown: Newberg, OR
Current City: Fort Riley, KS
Education: BA, Violin Performance, Biola University in Los Angeles, CA
Earliest musical memory: When I was somewhere between 3-5 years old, my mom would put on a CD for me to fall asleep to every night. In my later years, when I came across that music, I immediately recognized that it was from that CD. It was Hilary Hahn’s Bach Concertos album.
Favorite composer: Felix Mendelssohn
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to? Folk, singer-songwriter, and classical. My husband and I have also lately been enjoying bluegrass music, such as the Punch Brothers and Crooked Still.
How do you spend your free time? I love spending time outside with my husband and going hiking, biking, or camping. I also enjoy cooking, embroidery, and going to the farmer’s market. I also love cuddling up for a good movie or TV show!
Whom do you admire? I admire my college violin teacher, Mrs. Freeman. She taught me that skill comes from hard work and discipline, but to always listen to your heart and to God when thinking about your priorities. No worldly achievements are worth the sacrifice of your relationships with your family and loved ones.
What is your greatest accomplishment? Realizing that there is no reason that I ever have to stop learning and striving to get better at the violin.