Have you walked around the Melbourne Campus recently, heard modern-day hits being played on a violin and wondered who the musician is? You can usually hear his songs across campus, as he knows all the best acoustic spots. Having grown up playing the violin (including a semester at EFSC), I was curious to find out more about him. One day when I heard him in the halls, I had the chance to catch up with the mystery artist.
His name is Anthony Hires, and he has been playing the violin for over a decade. They say practice makes perfect, and Anthony practices a lot. It’s no surprise he’s a talented musician (and featured in our Splash of the Titans Artist Spotlight series). Anthony told me that he started playing when he was in elementary school, and it all started in music class. He and his fellow students went into the classroom to check out the different instruments they could choose. Anthony felt himself naturally drawn to the violin. He’s been playing ever since.
A Melbourne High School graduate, Anthony helps teach orchestra there and is very involved with the Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra — all while earning his Associate in Arts degree at Eastern Florida State College. When I asked him what has been the best thing about EFSC, he identified our helpful Advisors.
Anthony enjoys playing classical music, but when he plays on campus for fun, he tends to stick to contemporary hits. Anyone who has heard him will agree it sure is a treat listening to him play! You can usually find him under the Melissa Prevatt Pavilion or outside the Student Union.
When he graduates from EFSC this summer, Anthony plans to attend the University of Central Florida. There, he will play in their orchestra while pursuing a degree in Music Education. After that, he aims to return to Brevard County and teach music at the middle or high school level.
Just as his music teachers have had an impact on him over the years, I’m sure Anthony will inspire many future musicians to come. I haven’t picked up my violin in a long time, but perhaps I’ll give Anthony a call when he starts teaching lessons after graduation.
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