While many people may say that they have been singing since before they could talk, for senior Ava Diedrich, it is a reality. Always drawn to music, Diedrich is not only a singer but also plays the piano, clarinet, and tenor saxophone.

“I’ve been singing my whole life, but started singing lessons in 2nd grade and choir and concert band in 4th grade,” she said.

She has continued her involvement in band throughout her school years. Diedrich is now a part of the AM Jazz Ensemble and Small Ensemble (Smamble). She is also one half of Vintage Jeans, an acoustic duo group with fellow student Clara Swanson.

“We gig frequently at farmer’s markets, restaurants, [and] private events, which has been an amazing experience,” she said.

As if that wasn’t enough, Diedrich is the lead singer of the band Flour, which performs locally and whose other members are Rio alumni. She says her favorite part of music is the community.

“Being a part of band has provided me with such an incredible group of people,” she said. “Music brings people together and there’s truly nothing better than playing music with friends.”

Diedrich said that music unites her and her brother, who has a rare chromosome abnormality and cannot speak or walk on his own.

“I love him more than anything and what really brings us together is music,” she said. “He has always loved listening to me play and whenever he gets worked up, listening to me play piano and sing always helps him calm down.”

Outside of school, Diedrich works as a math tutor for middle schoolers. Her other hobbies include running, reading, and traveling. She plans to study psychology at UCLA and hopes to become a therapist, though she wants to minor in music.

“It’s a really important part of my life and a great way to find friends and continue to work with your passions,” she said.