We’re all told to find what we love and get to it, but not many of us find our passion as toddlers. Sam Sykes, ‘19,  has been playing the cello since he was three years old.

“I wanted to play the cello because I heard a cellist when I was two and have wanted to play it ever since,” said Sykes.

Sykes has a Youtube Channel called SamSykesCello, where he uploads performances of himself playing the cello.

“I upload performances that I do well in,” says Sykes. “I also like to post new songs that I try and turn them into a cool video.”

Aside from recording concerts online, Sykes performs live, sometimes with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.

Sykes works diligently to improve his skills. “I take private lessons from a teacher in Dubuque and a teacher in Milwaukee,” said Sykes.  “I also have a concert about once a month and sometimes they are with other musicians.”

Sykes also plays the cello in Wahlert’s Impulse show band.

“I opened the performance for Impulse this year, and I really enjoy the whole show band experience,” said Sykes.