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Alumni Spotlight: Hannah Dremann

Hannah Dremann is a MasterWorks Festival alumnus and violinist. She recently graduated from Rice and is currently in the Master's program at IU.

Dan: Before becoming a musician, how did music influence your life?

Hannah: I was involved in music from my earliest memories, starting with piano when I was 5 years old. I began violin when I was 7 years old. My two sisters and brothers also were involved in music, so we were all in it together!

Dan: When did you know that you wanted to pursue music as a career?

Hannah: Sometime during my sophomore year of high school, I decided that I would either go into music or some scientific field. I felt a strong connection to music, and always leaned in that direction, but I waited to make a final decision until my senior year of high school.

Dan: What accomplishments (or musical moments) have brought you the most joy as a violinist?

Hannah: I was part of an outreach quartet during the past two years which performed in retirement communities and retirement homes. We played four or five concerts each spring, and I was personally so gratified by how much happiness we were able to bring the residents. While not always the most musically fulfilling, they were very meaningful to me.

Dan: What composers (or pieces) inspire you as a musician?

Hannah: Most composers/pieces inspire me, though all in different ways. I am most moved by Romantic era compositions. I couldn't name a favorite composer or piece, though.

Dan: What was the most memorable part about your studies at Rice? What are some of the challenges you encountered, and how do they compare to the challenges you face now in your Master's work at IU?

Hannah: The most memorable part of my time at Rice would be, first, my lessons with Ms. Winkler, and then a close second, my experience with the orchestra under Larry Rachleff. Both of those people have profoundly impacted me musically and personally. I am always amazed by Ms. Winkler; because of her thoughtful instruction, patience, encouragement, and blunt honesty, I was able to make great strides in my playing under her tutelage. So far, the most rewarding orchestra concerts I have experienced have all been under Larry Rachleff's baton. His tireless demand for excellence in rehearsals allowed the concerts to be something the entire orchestra could feel great about.

The challenges I faced at Rice I feel were completely normal in terms of musical growth. Most of them had to do with the frustrations associated with practicing, balancing academic workload and practicing, etc. In those ways, IU hasn't been much of a change. However, the most challenging thing I have found so far at IU is finding a community of friends. It is such a big school that it is hard to feel included. The search for a home church here has also been challenging, as it always is in a new place.

Dan: How do you reconcile your faith with your art?

Hannah: I believe art is a powerful tool that God has allowed people to use. Musical creativity is exclusive to humans, and I believe that it is capable in some way of being a window into the soul. I believe that faith and music can work together powerfully with God's help. I also believe that God puts Christian musicians in a very challenging mission field. Although I fail every day in many ways, I know He can work through me to spread His love.

Dan: Ideally, what musical path would you like to follow post graduation?

Hannah: I would like to take orchestra auditions and play with a good orchestra.

Dan: How can CPAF and fellow MWF alumni be praying for you?

Hannah: I would appreciate prayers about finding a good church home and finding good friends here.

Dan: What is your favorite: (1) Movie; (2) Style of music; (3) Food; (4) Place to travel?

Hannah:
1. I have no idea. It's hard for me to pick a favorite movie as it is to pick a favorite composer. I really like Up and The Emperor's New Grove.
2. Classical to play, and I like listening to most other genres. I especially like pop and hip hop.
3. I like Italian a lot.
4. Probably tropical places... or Western Europe.

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When I played with Hannah in 2007, she was only a high school student.However, her musicianship and serving the Lord is just so amazing!I love Hannah!Borah:)

Posted by Borah Kang on January 18, 2012 @ 9:59 pm

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