Daughter dazzles with violin Published March 4, 2016 By 2nd Lt. Geneva Croxton 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- For Abigail Western, 17, daughter of Col. David Western, 60th Air Mobility Wing Judge Advocate, the challenges of life as a military dependent have helped her foster a positive outlook on the challenges of becoming a rising violinist. On Feb 6, Abigail Western played for the Napa Valley Youth Symphony as a featured performer in the orchestra's Concerto Competition. Abigail played with more than 60 musicians backing her. Abigail Western began playing the violin six years ago when her family moved to Australia and has played ever since. Now, after her 10th move as a dependent, Abigail Western reflects on growing up and playing the violin. "I have found that the music community as well as my church community give me stability with moving," she said. Also having the ability to practice as an outlet helps. When we moved here and was sad to have left my friends, I could practice for an hour and would feel more calm afterwards." "One of the concerns we had when moving was always that we wouldn't be able to find a good instructor for Abigail" David Western said. "When Abigail began playing I had no idea she would make it so far. She is so dedicated to her art, and I am incredibly happy that she is continuing to play." Abigail Western faces many challenges in balancing her schedule with homework and also family responsibilities, usually practicing between five and six hours daily. For Abigail Western, practicing her violin is her outlet. "Whenever I get stressed about something, I go practice. It helps me stay focused and relax" Abigail Western said. This focus helps her stay on track with her busy schedule. "At times, it's hard to balance practicing playing and schoolwork, but that is like everything in life," Abigail Western said. "You just have to learn to find a balance, and make time for everything." Everything in life seems to work out when you make things your priority. Though she has been performing for many years, Abigail Western is occasionally nervous when she plays. "I have become used to getting nervous- I try to channel that energy and use it to help my performance," she said. The nervous energy that Abigail Western feels translates beautifully as it is heard resonating from her violin. Abigail Western has bright plans for her future. She has been accepted to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and will be majoring in violin performance. "My goal is to major in violin performance, and hopefully be accepted to The Julliard School in New York for a masters degree. I would love to be a luthier or violin maker after finishing my education." Western encourages new and young musicians to stick with playing music. "When you get frustrated, never give up," she said. "I'll be looking at the same page of music for what feels like weeks trying to get it and eventually with persistence it happens. That is one of the hardest things, and I think it reflects well to life. There are some things you just cannot play, or do on the spot, but when you give it time and persistence, you can accomplish goals." "It is ok to get frustrated with yourself to the point where you can get better, but not to the point where you give up and think you cannot accomplish your goals," Western said. "Learning to channel these frustrations has helped me better myself." Western will perform April 16 at the Red Gala at the Lincoln Theater in Napa Valley, as well as May 22 in a spring concert at Veteran Park in Fairfield.