Whiz Kid Q & A: Sarah Madigan of Hastings High School

Whiz Kid:  Sarah Madigan

School:  Senior at

The final stretch of high school has been an exciting and busy time for 17-year old Sarah Madigan of Hastings. The high school senior will be the featured soloist in the May 17 orchestra concert at Hastings High School, and will play the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto in G Major. 

This well-rounded student can also add salutatorian to her high school resume, having earned the title with her solid academic achievements. Patch talked with Sarah about her musical talent as she reflected about her high school experience.

Patch:  What do you love about playing the violin?

SM:  I love the violin because it is a release of a lot of stress and energy that accumulates over the day. It's an outlet unlike any other. Every time I play, I hear something different in the music, which lets me experiment with my sound and allows me to craft the best possible piece.

Patch:  Describe the feeling of playing the first movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto in G Major in a concert solo?

SM: The first time I played with the orchestra accompanying me, I was terrified—I had no idea how it was going to end up sounding all together—but the instant I started playing I realized how fun it is! It's challenging, but my worries were immediately set aside by the pure excitement I got from hearing my own sound over the accompaniment. The piece really plays itself; I love how my part fits in perfectly with the orchestra, and every time I play it it's like I get a burst of energy.

Patch: Your favorite all-time violin piece?

I really love Massenet's Thais Meditation. I played it last year. It's simple and slow, but very elegant, and it sticks with you.

Patch:  What were some of the high points of your high school experience?

SM: A really high point of my high school experience was my varsity soccer season of junior year, when we won the league championship for the first time since 1998. There was so much unity among not only the varsity girls’ soccer team but also the entire school who was supporting us. Another high point was performing in Boston with the orchestra at the Heritage Festival adjudication and getting awarded the gold standard in both sophomore year and senior year.

Patch: What are your plans for next year and for the future?

SM: Next year I am off to Haverford College in Pennsylvania, and I couldn't be happier about it. I'm looking forward to doing a lot of writing, hopefully playing on a soccer team there and of course joining some music groups or taking private violin lessons. I'm open to many careers and excited to go to college so I can see the different opportunities available, but I'd really love one in writing—maybe publishing or editing, too.

Patch: A memory about Hastings High School that you will always hold on to?

SM: It is really a whole string of memories. This past fall, I was captain of my varsity soccer team and we had an amazing group of fans, consisting of a handful of dedicated boys who came to cheer us on every game whether it was home or away. I'll never forget the soccer game I had on my birthday during which the Burke Jerks, as they soon called themselves, sang "happy birthday" to me from across the field. There was also the time we had a playoff game in the snow in Valhalla and they drove all the way up to cheer us on. The Burke Jerks transformed the stigma around girls' soccer at HHS—and with their help the school became unified alongside our team, bringing increasing numbers of fans.

Patch: As you come to the end of your senior year in high school and were named salutatorian, some thoughts on what it takes to be a successful student?

SM: Realize what your strengths are and capitalize on them, and have discipline and a good work ethic. You don't have to be a genius to be a good student; you just have to stay on top of your work and have a clear head. And set aside free time! Nothing is worse than burning out at the end.