For those of you who don't know of her (and I'm sure you are few) let me assure you that there is no doubt that Miss Rosalind Dwan Manowitz of Logan Park High School will one day be on your stereo.
A talented, enthusiastic, camera hogging musician from the age of two, there was no doubt that Rosalind was destined to capture the hearts of her peers, and possibly the world, with her zest and talent for music and all things revolving around theatrical arts.
The daughter of internationally renowned violinist Sydney Manowitz and equally talented Beverly Dwan, there can be no question as to where Rosalind got her talents from.
A keen violinist from the age of two and a special guest at NZSO before she could even open her eyes, Rosalind's life was stuffed full of music right from the very start.
She progressed to develop a keen interest in classical music, as well as jazz, folk and pop, landing her multiple positions in prestigious orchestras, choirs and groups all over the country.
By the look of her mantelpiece, which is obscured almost entirely by a precarious tower of trophies and awards, one can surely tell that Rosalind's past is one of musical excellence, but where is she now? What current pursuits does she have tucked under her sparkly belt? What will she ‘wow' us with next?
As the saying goes: Where will she go? What will she do?
Rosalind, Roz, or Rozy to her peers, is currently in her final year at Logan Park High School, where she conducts orchestra, choreographs winning stage challenge pieces and learns over twelve different instruments.
Outside of school, Miss Manowitz is a keen dancer; taking lessons for ballet and jazz.
She is also a music teacher and performer with her flute skills landing her a place in prestigious youth gypsy band 'Baba Yaga'.
Rosalind's life is full to the brim with the theatrical arts, and she plans to apply for a place at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts as of next year.
With so many paths laid out ahead of her, it isn't surprising that Roz is a little stumped at what to do with her immense talent.
Her love for musical theatre might one day lead her to Broadway, or perhaps her faith lies in newly formed Logan Park folk/rock band 'Scolding Rosie'?
"I want to travel overseas to somewhere like London, where there is a large variety of culture and the dramatic arts are thriving. I'd love to be involved in musical theatre while still keeping up my involvement in orchestras and the world of classical music.
"I don't know exactly what I want to do, but I know I want the spotlight, the stage just draws me like nothing else," says Rosalind with a smile, her eyes clouding over at the mention of Chicago and Mamma Mia.
But what about the music industry? Surely she's aware of how many people are depending on her to save it from talentless imposters?"
"I'm not entirely sure that I have enough faith in the general public to presume that they'll recognise talent over good looks, flashing lights and catchy choruses so I'm not sure that I'll really get that far in the world of popular music.
"I'd love to share my music with the world, to be appreciated and to affect anyone with what I do is so rewarding but to me it's such a personal thing and I get enough satisfaction out of simply playing to myself."
I think a lot of us could learn from Rosalind's true appreciation of music, and she has explained to me in previous years that as a classical musician she seeks to perform not for the sake of showing off her own talents, but to better convey the themes, moods and emotions of the composers' original works.
"Music exists to instil feeling. We listen to it to feel something, not to dissect and comment on where the crotchets are supposed to go."
Admirable, don't you think?
- Hana Hoskins is a Year 13 student at Logan Park High School
