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Lifelong Learning

Moorhead High’s Otto to attend Ohio State with prestigious scholarship

June 1, 2015

Moorhead High School senior Tanner Otto began playing the viola in fifth grade. Since then, countless hours have been spent performing multiple solos as well as in ensembles, arranging music, taking part in different music camps around the country and performing in pit orchestras — his most notable being Moorhead High’s fall production of “Chicago.”
 
Next fall, Otto will attend Ohio State University with a music education and performance scholarship. Each year, Ohio State awards only five scholarships to violin and viola players around the country. Otto applied and was awarded the scholarship in April.
 
“It was a long process,” Otto said. “I am very excited.”
 
Moorhead High orchestra director Jon Larson describes Otto as a student who is always interested in more than just the day-to-day music lessons.
 
“He always wants to know more about the repertoire and the mechanics of putting together rehearsals and performances,” Larson said.
 
Every summer since eighth grade, Otto has helped Horizon Middle School orchestra director Brian Cole run the middle school orchestra camp. During the school day, he peer tutors the sixth-grade orchestra students.
 
“He really relates to the students,” Cole said.
 
Besides helping teach the middle schoolers, Otto also has arranged music for different age groups to play.
 
“He is a prolific arranger of music for string orchestra,” Larson said.
 
Cole mentioned that he has seen the potential in Otto since a young age. “I always knew he was going on to music,” Cole said.
 
“(Otto) has terrific music skills,” Larson agrees. “He has the potential to be an outstanding musician and educator.”
 
– Makayla Schultz, News Editor for Moorhead High’s The Spud  

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