Kim Lourette - Fairport

Kim Lourette plays an instrument that often goes under the radar in an orchestra. But there's nothing hidden about her talent. The bassist has been a standout ever since she picked it up at the age of 9. The Fairport High School senior is the principal bassist for the prestigious Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. She was selected to play with the All-Eastern Orchestra this year. This is one of her favorite achievements---getting to play her concerto with the RPYO last year. "It was a really great experience to play as a soloist in front of an orhcestra," she said, "and getting to play for all my family and friends, and it was really fun. It's what professionals do, I got a little taste of that and it was a really neat experience." Fairport Orchestra Director Richard Osterling has been teaching Kim since she was in the fourth grade. "This is someone who has exceptional ability," he says. "You could see it right away, a lot of it was the ablity to focus. Other than the talent, with professional musicians that's what separates them, their abliity to focus, and she had that when she was 9." "I like the bass because it's so versatile," Kim says. "I like all the different things that I get to do. I like the jazz and the orchestra. Even the electric. It's fun." Kim will study bass performance at Northwestern University next fall. Those who know her feel certain she will always lift other musicians up---not just because she's an exceptional leader. Because she's an incredible talent.