Gilson Filho, instrumental music education freshman from Brazil, graces the Nicholls community with his musical talent of playing the violin.
Filho started playing the violin when he was seven years old. He is one out of the 1.2 million people in the world who play the violin.
He continued his passion for playing violin by attending Suzuki’s Music School in his hometown of Recife, Brazil. Filho said he was the best and youngest student there at the school.
“I began studying music in 1995 at Suzuki’s Music School, which was a project for poor children in my neighborhood,” Filho said. “My mother had to work all day long, so she put me there to keep me off the street.”
Filho was recognized for his talent and received great opportunities to travel and play around the world with orchestras such as Bahia’s Symphony Orchestra of Brazil. He played with the orchestra for three years as a professional musician.
“I have played in England, Germany, Switzerland, United States, Brazil and Portugal,” Filho said.
Filho received a full scholarship at Nicholls for his musical abilities. Nicholls adjunct professor of music James Alexander discovered him in Brazil in 2006. Alexander was teaching master classes, and Filho took a lesson with him.
“He liked me and invited me to come to Thibodaux,” Filho said. “I had to work hard to learn English, and last year I came here on a full scholarship.”
Filho expressed that he had to strive for the best so he could support his family. He explained that he finally has a chance to focus on schoolwork and practice his violin skills.
“I had to work a lot to support my family,” Filho said. “I didn’t have enough time to study, but now I have, so in the future I can be a better musician.”
Filho looks up to famous violinist Itzhak Perlman, who played for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2009, Perlman earned the opportunity to play for President Barack Obama’s inauguration.
“He is not able to walk because he has polio, but he has great arms to play the violin by the grace of Lord,” Filho said.
Even with all of his success, Filho wishes he could go back to Brazil to visit his family from time to time.
“I miss my mother, but I have to be strong and work hard wherever I might be,” Filho said. “I’ll only go back if there is a good opportunity to work and earn money.”
Filho plans to continue his musical career after he finishes his studies here at Nicholls.
“I plan to teach and play abroad,” Filho said. “I want to be a great musician, and I have to make a lot of money. I have a dream to help poor children.”
Filho could have made a choice to play any other instrument that is a part of an orchestra or a band. He chose the subtle, yet graceful violin that expresses who he is.
“The violin is the best musical instrument to me,” Filho said. “It has a marvelous sound, and I can express my feelings through it.”
