Tara Nambi, the esteemed violinist at Enloe, consistently values kindness in and outside the orchestra room, 1513. Tara cites that orchestra has helped her gain confidence throughout her four years in high school. While she began the ninth grade shy and unsure of herself, her role as a leader, in the form of concertmaster and section leader, in Enloe’s Symphony Orchestra has allowed her to bring out her playful side in class. She finds that emphasizing the collaboration and friendship of the group directly develops the players’ technical skills. “I’m a goofy person. I always prioritize people feeling comfortable. I like to establish that personal connection before any technical skill,” Tara says. This unique value aids in others’ perception of her as both a reliable friend and a talented mentor. Additionally, listening to other people’s styles has allowed her to come into her own as a musician.
Specifically, orchestra director Ms. Ju has made an incomparable impact on Tara’s career in music and as a person in her formative years. Ms. Ju describes Tara as, “Kind, intelligent, and respectful.” She expands on how Tara has been an exemplary leader within her class, always striving for balance between the success of the entire orchestra, and the individuals within the class. Tara exudes confidence that inspires other students to be their best. Ms. Ju says, “Her passion is very contagious. She is constantly striving to push herself to the next level. She cares about other people, not just her playing. She is a leader through her actions.” Ms. Ju also recounts how Tara accompanied her during her lunch duty, exemplifying just the type of genuine person Tara is.
Tara’s love for music doesn’t stop within orchestra class, though, she is an active Tri-M board member, pit orchestra player, and Eastern Regional Orchestra and All-State Orchestra participant. Ms. Ju remarks, “She was the concertmaster of the Eastern Regional Orchestra. She worked very hard and conducted herself very well at the state level. I’m so proud of her.” Tara is also the founder of the music deconstruction club. You might be asking yourself, what is the Music Deconstruction Club? Tara describes the organization as a passionate group of people who meet weekly to delve into the intricacies of music theory, music-making, and existing works. She explains, “I want to make music opportunities accessible to all. Different musicians can network together and collaborate with their community.” The club features members from a variety of places and with all types of musical tastes, some of whom even live in Canada! She gushed finally, “I’m a big music theory nerd. I wanted to expose others to the inner workings of the music we listen to.”
Tara has decided that although she will continue pursuing music in college and it will remain a constant throughout her life, she is excited to dive into the world of STEM as a career. She found her love for engineering by experimenting with a wide array of classes at Enloe, which she describes as quenching her “insatiable love for learning.” As the well-rounded student Tara is, she decided to take both levels of AP physics and fell in love with the subject. She credits Dr. Culbreth’s support of her interest in physics by continuously answering her “incessant questions.” Tara adds, “I have three equations that can explain any system of moving objects. I found myself wanting to do more problems.” At first glance, the three equations are seemingly simplistic, but coupled with the actual intricacies of real-life situations, they can be used to model any situation. This central dogma of physics opened her eyes to a new way of thinking about her surroundings.
Tara is also an active proponent of promoting girls’ involvement in STEM. She shows her support through Enloe’s Math Honor Society and a tutoring organization dedicated to helping girls with math. Tara challenges the overwritten stereotypes by being a role model and helper to her fellow students. Tara’s efforts in the program have helped numerous girls find their passions and in turn, helped her find a sense of pride in being the person she once needed.
While Tara’s dedication to her musical and educational pursuits may seem uber-serious, it’s her bubbly personality and easy-going nature that draw people to her. Tara loves getting boba before concerts with her friends, watching Studio Ghibli movies, and making silly music with her brother, Arvin. She says she will miss the moments before class when she and her friends hang out in Ms. Ju’s office. Tara also loves to doodle and finds that her love for visual arts finds a way to spill into her life, from the paintings on her walls to the doodles in her notebooks.
Tara will study electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall. Ms. Ju wishes Tara all the best for college and beyond and offers some final advice, “I hope Tara stays in the present and lives in the moment. Embrace the unknown.” We at The Eagle’s Eye are sure that Tara will continue to use her passion for uplifting her community to make a difference in the world around her. Keep inspiring others with your music and never stop being authentically you!
