Photo credit: Christos Routsis

Each ensemble in North’s vast music program consists of several students in sections playing a chosen instrument. However, the winds ensemble only has one player, senior Keira Finley, in the bassoon section.

She has stuck with the instrument since middle school, even when her contemporaries vanished, leaving her as the last one standing.

“I’m our principal bassoonist, technically, our only bassoonist in the section,” Finley said. “It’s exciting. I’m in the low baseline, so I get to keep tempo with everybody.” 

Finley has found great success with the bassoon, but her journey started with the clarinet until she was persuaded to try something new. 

“In sixth grade, when my teacher was talking about switching to different instruments and he brought out the bassoon, I thought, that looks cool, so I’m going to try it,” Finley said. “It ended up being a huge step in my life.” 

Throughout high school, Finley has been taught by Tom Torrento and on occasion, Noah Zogas in an extra ensemble.

“Mr. T has given me the opportunity to step into that role in the low wind section,” Finley said. “I feel a lot more sure of myself after having all those opportunities to showcase that what I can do is different because you’re the only bassoon player. He relied a lot on my section leader in sophomore year. So once it was just me, it was trial by fire for a little bit. I was thrown into it and it helped me grow.”

Being the only student in the school to play a particular instrument was a hard experience for Finley, but even though the odds seemed against her, she overcame every obstacle she faced.

“When I first joined Civic Youth Ensembles downtown at the [Detroit Symphony Orchestra], I’d seen difficult music at school, but never to that level,” Finley said. “I saw it and I didn’t know how I was ever going to do it. It ended up being okay. I practiced the music a lot—I nailed it. I did well in the ensemble. I got to the orchestra this year and the step-up was even scarier, to be honest. But it helped me gain a little more—it encouraged me. Maybe I can play this music. Maybe I’m better than what I give myself credit for.” 

The DSO is also something Finley wants to pursue after high school. She is inspired by musicians like Conrad Nelson and wishes to collaborate with him someday. At the moment, she finds success at the school’s yearly music concerts, particularly the Pops and Pastries in October. 

“I felt good about it,” Finley said. “I was playing with the lower band too. Symphony band and I got to do a cute little duet with my sister. It was fun because she plays flute. We performed well. I’m excited for Strings Extravaganza, Band-O-Rama and for what’s to come.

What is your favorite show? Arcane

What is your favorite animal? Guinea Pig

Who is your favorite celebrity? Ella Purnell

What is a fun fact about yourself? One sister, two years younger.

What is your favorite school subject? Chemistry

What is your favorite season? Autumn

What hobbies do you have? Netflix / Bassoon

What is your favorite type of music? Jazz

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Coffee

What is your favorite board game? Scrabble