The orchestra has a conductor to help navigate the piece and keep everyone on tempo, but there is not just one leader. Section leaders are able to help answer questions and set an example for their fellow musicians.
Evie Wilcher is a first violinist in the orchestra. She plays the role not only as section leader, but also as concertmaster. Wilcher helps keep the orchestra in line with the piece or with tuning at concerts.
“As a section leader, I play really loud so everyone in my section can hear me and we all stay together,” Wilcher said.
She takes private lessons outside of school to improve her skill and technique. Wilcher also gives violin lessons.
“Outside of school, I take private lessons, I also teach violin, and I play in a private studio orchestra,” Wilcher said.
Wilcher plans on continuing her education in orchestra after high school.
“I plan on minoring in applied music, which is music performance,” Wilcher said.
Her mom is her biggest uplifter, helping Wilcher stay motivated.
“My mom is my biggest inspiration, she’s the hardest working person I know and she leads by example, she’s a huge inspiration to me,” Wilcher said.
Anooj Shah is a senior who is the section leader for the violas. He works to make sure his section looks organized
“My role as section leader is to lead sectionals, ensure we all have the same bowings, and play any solos in the piece,” Shah said.
He also plays outside of school in local orchestras.
“I am in St. Charles County Youth Orchestra, which is a community orchestra, and [I] was in Metro 8 Orchestra [during the fall],” Shah said.
Shah does not plan on playing his viola after high school. Later in life, he may decide to continue with something small.
“I do not plan to play my instrument after high school. Maybe in community orchestras, but nothing too big,” Shah said.
His main inspiration is his orchestra teacher. Seeing Mr. Mieloch’s dedication to the art motivates him the most.
“My biggest inspiration is Mr. Mieloch,” Shah said. “After seeing how much he cares about music and how much he wants us to succeed, I am motivated to practice and have the music learned for concert day.”
Morgan Johnson is a junior who plays the bass.
“Similar to the others, we count and make sure to follow our conductor, so that no one gets lost,” Johnson said. “The other sections have to worry about fingerings and bowing, but what makes the bass section different is that we don’t normally agree on it. I am the section leader, but I do not have the power to make them change to a different fingering. I am more worried about being together and sounding nice than looking good. Since we are in the back, I believe we can get away with that.”
She participates in outside orchestra activities, but also is a part of the school jazz band as a bassist.
“I do many bass-related activities outside of school, but not counting the typical ones, such as Metro 8,” Johnson said. “I volunteer at a home-school orchestra group. I even get paid for it. I have been working with them every semester since my 8th grade. I am in the Jazz band class and club at our school, where I also play bass.”
Johnson plans on playing bass after school.
“Whether it be for a band or an orchestra, I will definitely find time to do bass playing on the side,” Johnson said.
She finds herself motivated and inspired by her teachers, but also her siblings.
“Although my siblings got me into playing bass, my biggest inspirations are my teachers,” Johnson said. “Mr. Goodman from middle school orchestra, Mr. Stegeman and Ms. Kyser from the band, and most of all Mr. Mieloch from our school’s orchestra.”
Griffin Ray is a sophomore who plays cello. Being the leader of the section, he helps keep up rhythm, and sets examples when playing.
“My role as a section leader in orchestra is to make sure that everyone in my section is fully prepared for rehearsals and concerts, and to properly communicate with them when changes are made in the music,” Ray said. “I also am required to be a rhythmic and emotional anchor for the rest of the section, as it helps shape the orchestra and keep our section together.”
Ray participates in activities outside of school to strengthen his skills and he spends time tutoring other cello students.
“Outside of school, I have participated in music programs such as Credo, The Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, St. Charles County Youth Orchestra, and Webster University’s String Program. I’m currently tutoring two cello students,” Ray said.
Ray hopes to major in music, and/or chemistry.
“I plan to continue my path of music into college and major in music and possibly chemistry,” Ray said. “The cello has been a big part of my life and I hope to keep it that way.”
His biggest motivators are seeing people at the professional level, as he aspires to reach that level, his family, friends, and teachers also push him to be better.
“My biggest inspiration was the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. During my early years of studying music, I attended one of their concerts and aspired to be on that stage playing at that level,” Ray said. “I don’t think I’m able to pick any one specific person, because so many people have inspired me and motivated me. All of my friends, teachers, and my family all encourage me, and I am truly glad for all of the connections I have made.”
Nora Bailey is a junior, who plays violin for the seconds section. She finds herself ready to answer questions, set an example for her peers, and have a positive attitude.
“As the section leader of the second Violins, I have to, as it says, be a leader for my group,” Bailey said. “I always need to be well prepared in case anyone has questions for me about the music we are playing. I answer their questions, make decisions about our part of music such as bowings. And I try to be a friend to everyone in my section and outside of my section.”
She does not participate in any orchestra activities outside of school, but she is planning to join St. Charles County Youth Orchestra her senior year.
“Every fall I participate in Metro 8 Honors Orchestra, I have made it into the orchestra every year since 2022,” Bailey said. “It’s an orchestra of the best kids from around Missouri, coming from many different schools. I also have been involved with the musical by playing in the pit orchestra. Next year I plan to audition for Saint Charles County Youth Orchestra”
Bailey wants to keep playing her violin after school with a minor in music.
“I do plan to play my instrument after high school, I plan to double major in the medical field for my main path, but plan to minor in music,” Bailey said. “I’ve always loved music and instruments, and I wouldn’t give up playing my violin for anything.”
Her biggest motivators are her older peers, gaining inspiration from watching them play, or their inspiring words.
“My freshman year, one of my biggest inspirations was Ayman Amerin. He is an incredibly talented violinist who since then has graduated and is in college,” Bailey said, “My mind went to another motivation, once again it is a person, Evie Wilcher. I have always looked up to her in many ways, she is a very talented violinist as well, and one of the nicest people I’ve met, I’m always thankful I get to be a section leader with her. Another motivation for me is my grandfather, he was always my biggest supporter in the orchestra world, there for every performance, and never had anything negative to say, so I keep playing for him.”
