Granite Edvance Scholarship winner Taoighan Othot: ‘It’s kind of an unprecendented project’

When Taoighan Othot talks about playing the cello, there is no hint of complaint in her voice, no mention of hours spent practicing while other kids were playing outside, no shade thrown at the classical composers who dreamt up the musical gymnastics she undertakes. 

There is only appreciation. “I think it has a glorious sound … just the low, deep, rich tone of it,” said Taoighan (pronounced Teegan), a winner of a Granite Edvance Leadership Scholarship and a senior at Saint Anselm College, double-majoring in great books and music. “I’ve grown to really love classical music in general, so I really love the repertoire that I can play with the cello, too.”  

A homeschooled student, Taoighan started playing piano at age 7 and cello at age 9. Her love for music grew over the years, especially when she had opportunities to share it with others — volunteering at the Manchester Community Music School’s summer camps or making music with some friends who played violin and viola.  

As she looks toward life after graduation, those experiences come back to mind. “I might pursue some kind of teaching,” said Taoighan, who completed an internship at a parochial school last year. “I’ve always enjoyed working with kids.” 

In the meantime, Taoighan is planning to share her love of music in an ambitious new way. For her senior thesis project, she’s staging a performance of Dvorak’s Cello Concerto – one of her favorites — with a full orchestra. Along with learning the piece and handling the logistics, she’s raising money to bring in an orchestra for the performance.  

“It’s kind of an unprecedented project,” Taoighan said. “I’ve never had the chance to play in a full orchestra. I think it will be an awesome experience.”