Students in orchestra long for that sense of accomplishment after learning a very difficult piece. To their teacher, it can also feel like a big accomplishment conducting and teaching them. Mr. Bowen connects with his students and helps them when they have a hard time hitting the right note. He understands how hard it can be transitioning from easy well–known material to high school level material.

Why do students like Orchestra? Sidney Lawyer responded, “I enjoy when the piece starts sounding put together. We work together and create beautiful music though the help of our teacher and our peers.” She added, “Mr. Bowen helps us figure out the melodies and we wouldn’t be together if we didn’t watch his conducting.” She says she appreciates how Mr. Bowen really inspires his students to push through the hard pieces and fix the hiccups along the way. Mr. Bowen was asked why he liked to teach orchestra his response was “My wife and I have been teaching all grades of orchestra for quite some time.  We enjoy teaching all grade levels, seeing them improve and get better on their instrument is an amazing experience.” When people come together to make beautiful string music, it’s very different than listening to something in your air pods.

Ava Neuharth says, “Being in Orchestra has really made my personality increase. I love playing the viola and it makes me a better person and to challenge myself as a player.”