Nervous about her audition, Marissa Sheppard (10) was the first student from OHS to make the All Suburban High School Honors Orchestra.

The All Suburban High School Honors Orchestra is an orchestra consisting of students from different high schools in the St. Louis area. The orchestra only has three rehearsals before their concert on Jan. 8. Sheppard was encouraged to audition for the orchestra by her private instructor and her orchestra teacher, Amy Meschke.

“[Sheppard] showed me that she had the drive and interest that it takes to audition for the All Suburban High School Honors Orchestra,” said Meschke. “I felt that Marissa would benefit and grow in her musical skills with such an experience.”

Sheppard started playing violin in second grade and switched to bass in the sixth grade, which is the instrument she auditioned on.

“I got sick of violin so I wanted to change,” Sheppard said.

She decided to switch because it is a large instrument and no one plays the bass.

During the audition, Sheppard thought she was not going to make it, but she was proud of herself for trying out. Other auditioning students had told her they had auditioned before and did not make the orchestra, which made her think she had even less of a chance.

Sheppard was excited when she was told she made the orchestra.

“I am very proud of her efforts and she should be too!” said Meschke.