Callum Rodin is a four-year Senior from New York City. He plays violin with the orchestra and Philharmonic, and has been a member of Bluenotes for four years. He is currently co-head of Bluenotes, Bring Change to Mind, Classics Club, and a Senior advisor to Hillel. He plans to continue singing and playing the violin in college.
How did you begin playing music?
I began to play the violin because my brother was also a violinist. I did many competitions when I was a kid and violin was pretty intense for me. I had a teacher who was really strict and lost my love for violin as I got into middle school. When I came to Hotchkiss, I decided to play again. I got into the orchestra and rediscovered the joy of playing. Now I practice every day.
My favorite thing about violin is the fact that I get to play so many different things. As a soloist, I play music ranging from the Baroque period to modern music, like John Williams, or movie pieces from Jurassic Park and Star Wars.
Who are some of your artistic inspirations?
My teacher, Mr. Gary Capodiello, has had a huge impact on me as a violinist. He introduces the pedagogy in a way that’s very different from the other instructors and makes it fun instead of cut-throat, which I really appreciate.
As a singer, my inspiration comes from my family. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with some great mentors here, like Chris Mudry ’23 and Jared Hurst ’24. Eventually, I became head of Bluenotes; I started transcribing our music and have had a blast doing that. We have a great group this year, and the other members inspire me to be a better leader and singer.
What are you most proud of as a violinist?
When I first came to Hotchkiss, I wasn’t ready for the Philharmonic, but as time progressed, I’ve learned how to be a better teammate and musician. While working with some of the great professionals we’ve had visit, not only have my violin skills improved, but my ability to play with other people has gotten a lot better, too.
One particular moment that I’m proud of is last winter’s Philharmonic concert. I was given the third seat in the orchestra and sat next to a professional musician who offered me his help and guidance. At the concert, I played the best I think I’ve ever played in an orchestra setting. It was a great experience, because I learned how to reach out for help and that there will always be people who will help you improve.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists and musicians?
Don’t underestimate the progress that you can make here. I’ve changed tremendously as a violinist and singer in ways that I would have never anticipated or experienced had I stayed at home.
Here, you’re around many bright and like-minded musicians as well as some truly great teachers. We have some very high-profile musicians who perform at the school and can serve as inspirations. If you really make use of your resources, you can improve drastically as a musician.
