Myken Thomas Grows as a Musician with the Columbus Cultural Orchestra
Meet one of the young artists redefining what it means to be an orchestral musician in Columbus. A proud eighth‑grade violist from Genoa Middle School, Myken Thomas didn’t just choose the viola, they claimed it. Drawn to its warm, rich sound and inspired by seeing musicians who looked like them performing music they actually connected with, they stepped into the Columbus Cultural Orchestra and never looked back. Myken will take the stage in Sax & The Symphony on April 4.
Megan: What instrument do you play and why did you choose it?
Myken: I play viola and I chose it because I didn’t like the sound of violin. I could’ve done band but decided on viola because it sounded prettier.
Megan: What grade are you in and what school do you attend?
Myken: I am in eighth grade at Genoa Middle School.
Megan: What first inspired you to join the Columbus Cultural Orchestra, and what keeps you coming back to perform with us?
Myken: I saw people who looked like me playing music I liked. I continue performing because of the community, the opportunity to meet new people, the ability to express myself.
Megan: How has being part of CCO helped you grow as a musician, both technically and creatively?
Myken: I have a much better tone, and I’ve learned to actually hold my instrument and bow correctly. As for creativity, I am much more confident and comfortable with improv.
Megan: What makes performing with a culturally diverse orchestra different from other musical experiences you’ve had?
Myken: There are backing tracks, it’s modern music and it doesn’t feel like there’s an immense pressure to get every single note correct.
Megan: Why do you think concerts like Sax & The Symphony are important for the Columbus community?
Myken: It gives young musicians the opportunity to see what our performances are like and gives the audience an opportunity to hear music in a new style.
Megan: What does it mean to you to be part of an orchestra that blends classical music with modern music styles?
Myken: To me it gives me a sense of distinctiveness. It’s a rare concept and I think it’s made me both good at classical music and more modern, rap-style music.
Megan: How has performing with CCO shaped your confidence, leadership or future goals in music?
Myken: I definitely want to pursue music further. CCO has made me a much better and more confident player. The environment is super positive so I am okay with wrong notes as long as I am learning, where I wasn’t in the past. As for leadership, I’m able to ask questions and share my opinion without feeling like I have a lesser opinion because of my experience and age.
Megan: What’s one thing you’ve learned from CCO that you don’t think you would have learned anywhere else?
Myken: Improvising over trap beats. It is definitely something I have only seen CCO do.
Megan: If someone asked you why they should come to Sax & The Symphony, what would you tell them?
Myken: It is a great chance to support young musicians and help fuel their passion. It is also a good chance to hear familiar music in a different style.
Megan: What’s on your current playlist?
Myken: I love a lot of music. Right now I’m getting really into 90s alternative music, but I’m probably always going to be a rap fan, especially a fan of Kendrick Lamar and STRICTLY old Kanye West.
Megan: What are some of your favorite things about Columbus and why?
Myken: I like Columbus because it’s a very diverse city. I don’t have a particular place to go; as long as I’m in a city setting, I’ll find something to do.
Hear Myken and other members of the Columbus Cultural Orchestra take the stage in Sax & The Symphony, a concert that blends classical tradition with the pulse of hip hop, the soul of R&B, and the freedom of jazz. Catch the concert on April 4 at the Harmony Center, 4411 Tamarack Blvd. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students.
About the author
Megan Wetzel is executive director of Columbus Cultural Orchestra.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database, artist-curated public art tours and stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.