CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Marshalltown High School senior Nayeli Martinez is concertmaster for the MHS Orchestra, which will perform with the 7th/8th grade orchestras and the Chamber Orchestra at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 in the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center.

(Editor’s note: Bobcat Spotlight is a recurring feature spotlighting Marshalltown High School students who are involved in activities other than traditional sports.)

Nayeli Martinez’s commitment to music makes her an ideal leader.

The Marshalltown High School senior is concertmaster and Spanish translator for the MHS Orchestra, which will perform at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center.

The seventh and eighth grade orchestras and Chamber Orchestra, a select group of students playing more difficult pieces, will be performing as well.

“Nayeli has become a leader by her own will,” said MHS Director of Orchestras Derek Claussen. “She has taught herself with practice and diligence to reach the level of concertmaster, … it has been amazing to watch her progress and all students in the Orchestra would agree that Nayeli deserves the role she has been asked to take on.”

As the highest leadership role among musicians in the orchestra, and second in authority only to the conductor, the concertmaster makes sure all parts of the orchestra are in tune and in time and Nayeli said that she helps underclassmen with any parts they are struggling with.

“I believe I’ve been well prepared,” Martinez said. “I worked hard and my teacher has taught our pieces very well.”

Martinez’ introduction to music was likely the same as many other elementary students through learning the recorder.

That simple instrument sparked a curiosity in Martinez, though, and she learned guitar soon after — the first piece she learned was “Love Like You,” a song from the Cartoon Network series “Steven Universe” – and by fifth grade, she had discovered orchestra.

“I instantly fell in love with it,” Martinez said. “I enjoy creating memories with my group and becoming a better musician.”

Martinez finds enjoyment in even the simplest of tasks like warming up the orchestra with scales and has branched out into several different instruments, including but not limited to the violin, clarinet and kalimba.

Claussen noted a big example of her work ethic comes from trying out from IHSMA All-State, a process that involves her learning a solo, five excerpts from symphonies and three octave scales, all skills that go beyond what she learns in a regular Orchestra class.

She also assists Claussen as the Orchestra’s Spanish translator.

“I don’t have any Spanish skills so I’m fortunate to have her volunteer to be my aide,” Claussen added. “There are many families that can understand what I am talking about because of her generosity.”

Martinez plans on attending Kansas State University after high school to study architecture — and while that’s outside of the music field, she intends to continue playing and performing as much as possible.

She’s looking forward to Thursday’s performance, which includes a personal favorite of hers and “a few other fun pieces you’ll have to go to find out.”

Claussen added, “the 7th grade will ‘Defend Time’, the 8th grade will serve up some ‘Soup’, the Chamber Orchestra will make you dance and the High School will take you to the highest road in the country.”

Nayeli Martinez

Something I can’t go without: My art supplies – I love drawing.

My favorite road trip: Driving to Mexico and exploring all the new places.

My dream vacation: Florence, Italy

Currently, I am listening to: “this is what autumn feels like” by JVKE

It would surprise people that…: I know how to play six different instruments – Violin, viola, flute, clarinet, guitar and kalimba.

My hobbies: Music, sports and art

Favorite class: Orchestra

Favorite book: “Love and Gelato” by Jenna Evans Welch

Favorite phone app: Pinterest