Arts Student of the Week: Karlien Dang-Lee

Karlien Dang-Lee has had an active musical life since the age of four, when she first started playing the violin. According to her mother, the young girl really wanted to learn violin, but all Dang-Lee remembers is crying because her fingers hurt.

When she was seven, she switched to piano, which she played until she was fourteen. Playing piano provided her with a solid foundation for understanding notes and music theory. In fifth grade, she picked up the flute. "Because," she said, "my elementary school made us choose a musical instrument." She played flute throughout middle school and has continued playing the instrument into high school.

When Dang-Lee came to Niwot High School as a freshman, none of her friends from middle school joined her. "But I felt welcomed and found a lot of new interests," she said. "My friends have made my experience so much better and so has the staff."

Dang-Lee's teacher, Wade Hendricks, Director of Bands, selected her as Arts Student of the Week. "Karlien is the flute section leader this year," Hendricks said. "Her marching is amazing, as is her musicianship."

Dang-Lee has had a great experience as a music student at NHS. She has found a supportive community and made a lot of good friends. "Band is one of the big things I look forward to during the school year," she said.

"Along with being a terrific flutist," Hendricks said, "Karlien is a wonderfully creative artist."

Dang-Lee's peers have had a big influence on her flute career. "Everyone works so hard," she said, "and it inspires me to push even further." Although she is not certain that she has a favorite flutist, when she played the piano she enjoyed performing and practicing pieces written by Johann Sebastian Bach.

When Dang-Lee describes her interest in music, she says that to her, it feels "like home." "It's been there for almost my whole life," she said, "whether that be playing an instrument or just listening to music in the car. It's super powerful when music can convey a story or emotion."

Dang-Lee successfully earned a spot in the District Honor Band last year. "District Honor Band was a very memorable and fun experience for me," Dang-Lee said. "It was around a day and a half of rehearsal and a concert that night. Having students from different schools come together for one concert was really special and I learned a lot of new things from the students and the clinician."

Her most memorable moment during a performance came Dang-Lee's sophomore year, during the homecoming game. "It had started to rain," she explained, "and all of the flutists had to shove our instruments up our uniforms to prevent the keys from getting water damage. It was a very chaotic night but overall a very fun one as well."

One of Dang-Lee's favorite hobbies is crocheting and making cards and gifts for friends and family. Her other interest is design. "I have always liked making crafts and designing posters," she said.

Dang-Lee plans to attend college and she would love to travel around the world. In general, she would like to experience new things and explore her different passions. "And I would like to learn other instruments in the future," she confessed.