- Hailey Elementary
- Homepage
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Lance Verst
By JoEllen Collins for The Weekly Sun
Lance Verst, a senior at Wood River High School, describes himself as a reliable person because he usually completes what he starts. Verst tests this quality by his dedication to his studies and to the music programs available to him.
“I actually like working, practicing, doing my best in my senior year, and also finding opportunities to help others at school, in the community and at my church,” he said.
Verst has most enjoyed his classes in math and science.
“I especially found AP Music Theory to be a tough but rewarding challenge,” he said, “but my math skills aided in my understanding.”
Verst’s life is filled with music.
“I have played cello since I was six years old and took lessons at the Sun Valley Summer Symphony music camp for 10 years,” he said. “My local training has been exceptional, and now that my teacher, Miss Ellen Sanders, is working with students here at the high school, it couldn’t be better. She plays cello with the Sun Valley Summer Symphony and has devoted her time to contributing to a healthy string program in the Wood River Valley.”
Verst also sings with the B-Tones, an all-male choral group at the high school. Just last year the B-Tones took first place in a large music competition, the Heritage Festival, in Anaheim, Calif.
“Another example is that because of the school, its excellent music program, and the extracurricular training available to me,” said Verst, “I was able to finish in 10th place in vocal solo performance in the Idaho Music Educators’ Association competition last year. I am a baritone.”
Verst is from a family of eight.
“My parents believed that all of us should learn an instrument, so they are thrilled that I have kept up my cello playing and that I have people in my life like Miss Sanders and R.L. Rowsey, my mentor and the director of the B-Tones. I thank them and so many of my other teachers.”
Currently, Verst is a member of the Harriman Quartet, a unique student string ensemble of four Wood River High School seniors who have played with Time for Three. The Sun Valley Summer Symphony commissioned Time for Three to compose several works, and the Harriman Quartet performed with them in concert last week to celebrate the musicians’ three-year residency with the Symphony.
Verst will apply to colleges that will provide expert instruction in his desired major, music performance.
“I am hoping to attend Whitworth, my brother’s college, or Wheaton, both of which have excellent music programs for my interests,” he said.
Ultimately, Verst would like to be a surgeon.
“This would be a perfect fit for me, as I enjoy the prospect of the hard work it takes to help others as a doctor, and the joy of helping people by giving them music,” he said. “I am an optimist who never loses hope.”
Each week, JoEllen Collins will be profiling a local high-school student. If you know someone you'd like to see featured, e-mail joellencollins1@gmail.com.