Ainsley Willis

Ainsley Willis, age 18, is a senior at Dobie High School in Pasadena ISD.  She has been playing bass since 5^th grade and is now a member of the Dobie High School Chamber Varsity Orchestra and Camerata Junior Varsity Orchestra under the direction of Angela Badon, Stephen Payne, and Tam Duong.  She has received superior ratings consistently at Solo and Ensemble festivals since the 6^th grade.  Ainsley has been a Region 19 member the last 6 years.  In 8^th grade, Ainsley was the Region first chair bass and in 9th grade she was second chair.  In 2021 and 2022 she was ranked first in her region.  She takes lessons with Becky Merritt, a member of the Pasadena Philharmonic, Galveston Symphony, and Clear Lake Symphony.  She attended Master Classes at Bradetich for the double bass this past summer.  She has been accepted at Sam Houston State University for Fall 2023 and will study Criminal Justice with a minor in Forensics.  She hopes to work in a crime lab in the future.  Ainsley likes to spend time with her cats and dogs, and hang out at home with her family and friends.