In second grade, junior Brais Macknik-Conde won a lottery. He didn’t know it then, but it would spark the beginning of his violin journey. He had already been learning to play the piano for a few months, and he recalled being “interested out of nowhere” when applying for an afterschool violin program at PS321. However, the program had limited seats available, and Brais earned a spot through random lottery selection. Following the conclusion of the program, he became the only student out of his peers to continue pursuing violin. This year, he has stepped up as the Townsend Harris High School Chamber Strings Concertmaster.

As Concertmaster, Brais is the principal violinist and acts as a liaison between the conductor and musicians. He assists in leading the orchestra through rehearsals, suggests alterations to the music score, and provides his peers with technical advice.

Since beginning the violin, Brais has taken weekly lessons in addition to ensemble and orchestra classes, and November will mark 10 years of playing. In his freshman year, Brais played as a fifth-stand first violinist and moved up the following year as the principal second violinist. 

Members of Chamber Strings shared how Brais has made a positive impact on the orchestra. When the conductor is absent, Brais helps lead the orchestra through rehearsals. Freshman Zella Suhu said, “When he does, he pays close attention to detail about small things and does a really good job of cuing everyone and making sure everyone is coming in on time.”

Freshman Olivia Yhun said, “He leads by helping us with figuring out the easiest fingerings and bowings for the music.”

Beyond providing musical suggestions, students said that they have learned from watching and listening to him perform. Sophomore Vivienne Chen said, “Personally, he helped to improve my coordination and rhythm. I observe and listen to more of his playing in pieces to help with timing and entrances.”

Junior Deanna Maleki, who is Brais’s stand partner, said, “I feel like he’s helped me become a less timid player overall… Since he’s a generally louder player, I find myself playing out more as well.”

“His passion is inspiring,” Olivia said. “Seeing how much he loves music showed me that classical music can be really enjoyable and fun to play.”

Brais performs the Pirates of the Caribbean theme at last November’s S!NG

Deanna said that Brais is a steady player and when she or Brais makes a mistake, they help each other get back on track. “He makes rehearsals fun and cracks jokes a lot, so even if things sound horrible, he’ll find a way to make it less serious so it doesn’t really eat at us,” she said.

Music teacher Chris Lee described Brais as “one of the best violinists in school.” Mr. Lee said, “He plays the violin really well, and he naturally leads when he’s making music. That’s definitely something as a conductor, you wish that you have more of, so he fits that role [of concertmaster] really well.”

“He’s definitely grown into the role… Even if you’re a good musician, which Brais is, being able to lead a group of your peers takes getting used to and that takes work,” Mr. Lee said.

Brais said that one of his favorite musical achievements was entering a competition for the Royal Conservatory of Music at nine years old, where he was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. Four weeks before the performance, Brais broke his wrist. Despite the injury, he continued preparing for the event practicing with just his right hand, and had his cast removed by a specialist when it came time to perform.

More recently, Brais said that his acceptance into the Crescendo String Ensemble from the New York Symphony this fall was a key achievement. “Their standard is so much higher than any group I’ve ever been with,” he said. “I’ve really pushed myself to do a lot better for them.”

On May 26, Brais performed the first movement of the Barber Violin Concerto as a solo piece with piano accompaniment by junior Lucas Wu at the annual Spring Concert. Brais had been preparing this piece since January. He said, “It’s the hardest piece I’ve learned yet… It’s one of my favorite pieces ever, so an aspiration for a long time has been to learn this well and up to where my standards are.” 

Despite his accomplishments, the journey to achieving them has not been without difficulties. Brais said, “Practicing often is a challenge.” He said he has encountered obstacles in “staying focused” but still tries to actively improve himself.

According to Brais, switching violin teachers was difficult for him during his early years of learning to play the violin. He said that he has had four private teachers up until now, and each transition was challenging because he had developed close relationships with his former teachers and had to adjust to new teaching styles. Brais recalled that “it was pretty sad for me… switching teachers is rough.”

Brais remains determined to improve and plans on applying to the New York Youth Symphony Orchestra this summer. He said, “It is, I think, the best youth orchestra in New York.”

Brais said that he plans to double major in math and music performance and wants to “get as good as possible” at the violin. He said, “There are a few pieces that I really want to learn, but I’m just not good enough to learn yet. Like, the Korngold violin concerto, which is one of my favorites.” 

Later in life, he said he hopes to join a professional orchestra or a prestigious part-time adult orchestra such as the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony. In reflecting on his overall violin experience, he said, “I think that this past year I’ve improved the most out of any year I’ve been learning.”

“I’m pretty happy I won that lottery,” he said.