Esther Schmidt began studying violin at age 10 and currently studies with Tamara Tanner. Esther attended the Vivace Summer Festival for Youth for three years (2020-2023), working with guest conductor Dr. Ryan Murphy. Esther was first chair of the second violin section in the Vivace Youth Orchestra directed by Denise Willey (2021-2022). While a member of Vivace Youth Orchestra, Esther performed Rob Gardner’s “Lamb of God” with the Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society. At age 14, Esther began studying viola. She was principal violist with the Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society for their 2023 tour of Europe, performing “Lamb of God” in Paris, Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague. She participated in a Masterclass with Utah Symphony violist Emily Brown (2023). At age 15, she played with the Snow College orchestra for two semesters. Esther played in the pit for Snow College’s production of “The Secret Garden” (2024). In the Summer of 2024, she performed in the Deseret Symphony Orchestra, directed by Blake Sharette, and featuring vocalist Emma Nissen. Esther is currently a violin instructor for a local youth orchestra, and has enjoyed watching the children learn. She recently played viola in two productions of “Christmas A La Vivaldi”, featuring soloist Rosalie Macmillan. When Esther isn’t practicing she enjoys singing, reading and spending time with her family.