Get to Know DCYOP – Richard Bradford

For our last edition of Get to Know DCYOP for 2023, we want to introduce you to one of our beginner ensemble students, cellist Richard Bradford. Richard started cello with us last school year and joined his first ensemble, the Debut Orchestra, this year. A multitalented musician, actor, and singer, Richard most recently made his Folger Theater debut in this fall’s production of The Winter’s Tale, and recorded a television pilot last summer. Read on to learn more about Richard’s passion for music and his plans for his bright future.

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How old are you? What grade are you in and where do you go to school?
I am 8 years old and I am a fourth grader at John Lewis Elementary School

How long have you been studying the cello? What made you choose it?
I have been studying the cello for about a year now.

I didn’t choose the cello, my mom did. But now I wish I had known about it before. The cello is a cool instrument to play, and it has a nice tone, so it is also really nice to listen to.

What has been the hardest thing about learning the cello? What has been the most fun thing about learning the cello?

I’m not basing this on how I feel now, but in beginner A, I was actually having trouble with figuring out my hand posture. Basses are very lucky because they have two professional hand postures to use. The cello only has one.

I have to say that the most fun thing has been doing the eighth notes for Two German Folk Songs because I get to play a lot of notes and I like the tune of it.

How long have you been in DCYOP? What ensemble are you in currently?
I have been in DCYOP for a year! First, I was in the beginner A class and then I moved to the Debut Orchestra. My mom signed me up for the DCYOP before I knew anything about the amazing cello!

What do you like most about DCYOP?
I loooooove the fact that in DCYOP, there are all these different instruments playing and we have all these different parts and I like the fact that the music comes together well.

Do you have any musical goals that you would like to tell us about?
Singer-songwriter and dancer, that’s me. I just want to do those along with my acting career.

Do you have a favorite musician or composer (does not have to be classical!) that you like to listen to?
No, actually! I love a LOT of different artists. But I can’t say any one is my favorite. Including Billy Joel, Prince, Michael Jackson, Kenny Loggins and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

What do you like to do outside of music?
I like writing songs and singing, plus reading. I love to act and have fun too!