Byron Nelson student performs with The Cliburn

With animal costumes in one hand and his violin and bow in the other, Byron Nelson junior Connor Pruett had everything he needed for an eventful Saturday afternoon. 

On September 14, Connor had a chance at a very unique opportunity as he was asked to perform with The Cliburn in the world-renowned musical organization’s Family Concert series. Earlier in the summer, Connor’s private instructor came to him with the opportunity, and he instantly jumped on board.

In a concert titled Carnival of the Animals, Connor was the only student who joined six professional musicians for a pair of shows at the Fort Worth Zoo. Playing part of the program wearing donkey ears and another in chicken feet, and with various animals from the zoo making appearances throughout, the performance was one that Connor will never forget.

“It was one of the only times I’ve gotten to play with a bunch of professional level players. It felt like I was with a lot of the people that I would hang out with and have as colleagues when I'm older.

“It wasn’t uncomfortable. It was very easy to settle in, meet them and have fun.”

Unlike many highly-successful musicians who began to hone their craft before they even knew how to read, Connor didn’t begin playing violin until sixth grade. Now, in just five years, he’s playing successful shows with professional musicians, and that is no surprise to Gary Keller, his orchestra teacher at Byron Nelson.

“It was really good to hear that he felt very at ease and comfortable, like he belonged, because I think he does,” Mr. Keller said. “I think he belongs in doing these things and having these opportunities because that's how we learn.”

“I'm not surprised that he got an opportunity like this because he is a very accomplished violinist, and having started in the sixth grade, that's a huge accomplishment. Many violists we see have started when they're four or five years old, so it's a testament to his drive and his hard work and his want to do this.”

In addition to the technical experience of playing with professional musicians, the performance offered so much more personally for Connor and his future.

“We talk about contacts a lot, and he now has professional-level contacts,” Mr. Keller said. “I'm sure he did a great enough job that, if somebody needed a violinist, they could call on Connor to come in and fill a role. 

“That's another aspect that makes this so special. He is building not only an experience base with playing, but he's networking with other real-life working musicians.”

What’s the next gig for Connor? The Byron Nelson Orchestra’s Fall Concert is just a couple of weeks away on October 8, then it’s a school-year full of various concerts and auditions.

“For this fall semester and leading into the spring, I’m really locking in on being the best version of player that I can be,” Connor said. “These gigs like this that I’m able to play are like different puzzle pieces, and it’s satisfying to see the different parts come together and make me who I am as a player.”

That focus doesn’t just benefit Connor, but the Byron Nelson Orchestra as a whole, as well.

“Connor does a great job in being a leader,” Mr. Keller said. “I can put him anywhere in the violin sections and he's going to be that leader, that rock, for people that need him. So not only is he a great player, but he's also a great person in understanding his role in the ensemble.

“It's not just, ‘I need to sit in the front of the section and that's my ego.’ For Conner, it’s ‘I am able to be a great player and understand that my abilities can affect the outcomes in ways that build everybody else up.’”