There is a very visible relationship between a musician and their instrument. Not only can you see the relationship, but when they play, you can feel it too. Creating images of kids with their musical instruments is one of my passions as a photographer.  Having raised 3 musicians, I know how much a kids identity is woven into their their ability to play.  The confidence that is built by performing in public is a skill that will cross over to all areas of a persons life. We seem to cheer on athletes, especially in high school, for their accomplishments but I feel we overlook the high school musicians that work so hard at their skills.  

Because high school musicians are often overlooked, I jumped at the chance to create a photographic project highlighting graduating senior in the advanced music groups for the annual sweet heart fundraising gala.  Each year Park City music department puts on a gala around Valentine's day including a catered dinner with musical accompaniment throughout the night.  The evening ends with everyone dancing to big band music played by the varsity jazz band.  It's a magical night for everyone involved which is why tickets sell out within one day.  I have been fortunate to have 2 of my kids play with the varsity jazz band at PC and I can say with utter certainty, it changed both of their lives.

Coming up with a portrait concept that would work with every single instrument, from the flute to the marimba and the drums was no easy task. It was important to me that all the portraits have a cohesive feel and could be displayed together to create one giant art installation.  This concept was inspired by a spotlight both physically and metaphorically. The red came about because not only is it the "Sweet Heart Gala" the school color is red.  The shadows were the most fun part for me as a photographer.  For me, the shadows represented the unseen hard work these kids put in day after day to master their musical instrument.