At just 14, freshman Genevieve “Evie” Mason is already making waves in music, theater, and web design. With a passion that knows no bounds, she has embraced every opportunity to grow, making a lasting impact on those around her.
Mason’s love for music began early, inspired by childhood shows and instrument flashcards. She picked up the violin at six and by middle school, had expanded her repertoire to include the cello, bass, trombone, saxophone, guitar, and percussion.
“My main instrument is still the violin,” Mason said. “In middle school, I started playing other instruments to help out in different sections. We had plenty of violins, so I decided to challenge myself and try something new.”
Her dedication has led her to prestigious opportunities, including performing in the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, where she also serves as an ambassador, representing the organization in radio interviews and public events. She is also a two-time Illinois Music Education Association participant and a member of the Huntley High School Symphonic Orchestra.
“Having another person in my orchestra section who is very talented at violin is really nice,” freshman Symphonic Orchestra violinist Leah Thorstenson said. “Working together and being able to understand each other has helped me out a lot.”
Her involvement in Huntley’s music department extends into the theater program as a pit orchestra musician for the school’s 2024 fall musical, “Chicago,” and as a part of Huntley High School’s Group Interpretation team, composing a live soundtrack for their adaptation of “Macbeth.”
Beyond her technical skill, Mason’s infectious enthusiasm lifts every rehearsal.
“She’s an amazing violinist and playing partner,” fellow violinist Molly Marchand said. “I was honored to experience pit orchestra with her. We worked so well together and built such a strong relationship. She reminds me to smile every day and made the orchestra program feel more like family to me.”
Her passion for performance extends into directing, as she assists in producing middle school musicals at Heineman Middle School, including “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Outside of music, Mason is a vinyl collector with over 50 records from artists like Billy Joel, David Bowie, and Andrew Bird, a music taste sparked by “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
She also excels in web design, maintaining the Sun City Concert Band’s website and developing an online storefront for a fern farm.
With a packed schedule, some might wonder how she balances it all, but for Mason, it’s simply just pursuing what she loves.
“I just keep trying new things,” Mason said. “There’s so much out there to explore, and I want to be a part of it.”
