John Mendelin, freshman, has been involved in the arts for most of his life. He plays the piano, the trombone, sings in the choir, and is heavily involved in PV’s drama department. He said, “I have to say, during the day it’s [music] kind of all I think about. I’m constantly thinking about things I need to do and pieces I need to perform. The arts are why I’m excited to come to school.”
Mendelin started playing piano at the age of six, when his mother signed him up for lessons with Kay Basham at Kay’s Keys. During his time playing the piano, Mendelin has won many awards and honorable mentions from the IMTA and FMTA piano competitions he competes in. Many of the younger students, and even his own peers, say they are impressed with Mendelin’s work ethic and aspire to be as talented. Playing the piano has also prepared Mendelin for his other musical involvements. Mendelin said, “Piano was what really got me to start loving music more and to learn about the importance of practice and competition. It [piano] also made my time in band and choir easier because I knew how to read music, hear certain intervals, and understand the theory behind what we were playing.”
While Mendelin started his band career by playing the alto saxophone, he made the choice to switch to the trombone after realizing the reeds for his instrument can often break. His switch is proving to be very beneficial for Mendelin. Mendelin said, “I love the sound of brass instruments, and since the trombone has a wide range, the music we play is more exciting.” His new instrument is much more enjoyable, and Mendelin is making good friends in the trombone section.
The choir department at PV has also welcomed Mendelin’s talents with open arms. Mendelin is involved in the concert choir and also a jazz choir, Jazz Etc. Mendelin said, “The thing I like about choir is how it sounds.The music people make with their own voice is such a cool sound. Choir is also a challenge, because it’s different from piano. Piano can become muscle memory, but when I’m singing I have to focus on intonation, vowel shape, and a number of other things.”
Mendelin has been involved in theatre since seventh grade, when he was a cast member of the musical Aladdin Junior. Since then, Mendelin has performed a number of musicals and, recently, has become a crucial member of the tech team. Mendelin has enjoyed working on the lights and sound under the direction of Keshav Wagle, junior, and Maaz Ahmed, junior. Ahmed said, “I really appreciate how quickly John has picked up on the intricacies of stage lighting. He’s a very diligent worker, and I’m certain that he’s going to go places in the future.”
The future holds promise for Mendelin, and he plans to continue his artistic career throughout high school and into college if he can. Mendelin said, “It’s hard to tell right now, but I am considering majoring in music.” Mendelin recommends that every student find a way to become involved with the arts in some capacity, whether that be through visual art, music, or drama. Mendelin said, “If a student hasn’t tried at least one of them [artistic forms], they don’t know what they’re missing.”
