On July 7, 2007, Abby Sencio moved to America from the Philippines. She was intrigued by everything here in America, but one thing stood out to her the most. Music.

“I didn’t know how to play any instruments before I moved here,” Sencio said. “People just asked me to do and it had always looked fun to me so I figured why not.”

Sencio is a sophomore at Albert Lea High School and is active in many things but music is by far her favorite.

“I play the guitar, ukulele, piano, drums, tuba, trombone, baritone, flute, violin and cello, but the cello is by far my favorite and I just started playing it 2 years ago,” said Sencio.

“I started playing the violin in flute in sixth grade then I added on (in order) the tuba cello, drums, ukulele, piano, trombone and finally the baritone,” said Sencio.

Later on this school year, Sencio plans on trying out for National Youth Orchestra. This is an elite group of 16-19 year olds all around America who try out.

“I’m trying out against 25,000 other people so I know I probably won’t get in but I’m just excited to get the feedback” Sencio said. “Only 3 people from Minnesota have ever made the group so I know my chances are pretty slim, but I’m still excited.”

Sencio is also planning to try out for All State this spring for both the cello and the violin.

“The music for All State is all really easy for me so I’m not really too worried about trying out for all state,” stated Abby. “… I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try out for National Youth orchestra because it always give you experience for other auditions, I also plan to try out in the next couple years.”