MUSCATINE, Iowa–Since first trying out musical instruments at Muscatine High School as a fourth grader, eighth grader Natalie Clove has played bass. A dedicated musician, she has honed her skills for the past three years, quickly becoming a proficient musician. This year, she auditioned for and earned the top bass chair in the Iowa String Teachers Association State Honors Orchestra on May 13. Along with fellow Susan Clark Junior High School bass players Garrick Filmore and Kate Schlawin, Natalie played with the best young string players in Iowa, a distinctive honor.

Susan Clark Junior High School Orchestra Director Jessica Straw commended Clove for her success. “I am extremely impressed with Natalie and how hard she has worked this year; she absolutely deserves this huge honor,” she said. “I am proud of how much she has grown as a musician, and can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes in high school!”

Natalie performed with her other instrument, the baritone saxophone, only two days before in the All Iowa Eighth Grade Honor Band at the Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference. Unlike the bass, Natalie has only played the baritone saxophone for a year after some friends encouraged her to try it. Susan Clark Junior High School Director of Bands Jennifer Rosin felt amazed by how naturally Natalie took to the baritone saxophone. “Natalie has impressed me since the first time she played saxophone,” Rosin recalls. “I knew it was a special fit.”

Natalie Clove with her bass. Photo courtesy of Jessica Straw.

Though preparing to play with two prestigious groups within days of each other represented lots of work, Natalie took pride in playing in the state honor band and orchestra. “I felt proud of myself and really honored to play with the best musicians in the state,” she shared.

As Natalie prepares to go to high school, she looks forward to continuing to play in band and orchestra. She encourages younger students to stay committed to their instruments and to push themselves to try out for opportunities to play at the district and state levels. “If you think that you’re not going to make it, you might surprise yourself,” she urged. “If you don’t try it, you’ll never know.”