As soon as Patrick Ordway, orchestra teacher, received an email selecting him to be a part of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) Extra Credit: On Stage Concert, he lit up with joy and excitement.
“It is an opportunity for our educators in the state, and maybe beyond the state, to get to perform on a stage in a group that is one of the top performers around,” Ordway said.
Ordway said performing for the St. Louis Symphony has been one of the highest tier performances he’s played in a while. Ordway has been a member of the Columbia Civic Orchestra and has played for orchestras such as the Missouri Symphony and the Odyssey Chamber Music Series.
The SLSO Extra Credit: On Stage Concert is a concert side-by-side with SLSO musicians where music educators are chosen to perform with them. Ordway had the chance to perform alongside three other music educators from the district in this year’s concert at 7 p.m. Friday, April 24 at Powell Hall.
The first and only rehearsal took place only hours before the concert; however, Ordway said he had practiced the given music consistently on his own prior to the event.
After three years of teaching string instruments at MHS, Ordway said he still isn’t finished with what he wants to accomplish, which includes goals like joining a local orchestra.
“I’d also love to join an orchestra on a secondary instrument to continue my skills learning those instruments as well,” Ordway said.
Jamie Park, senior, plays the violin in Symphonic Orchestra and has had Ordway as her teacher since her sophomore year.
“He always makes sure to keep that integrity of the music alive,” Park said.
Park said the class is full of fun and excitement, and looks forward to seeing her friends and taking a nice break from her more academic class.
“You can tell that he’s very passionate about us making a good sound and putting on a good concert, and actually being respectful to the type of music we’re making,” Park said.
Park said she heard about Ordway’s opportunity in the SLSO after seeing a flyer on his classroom wall.
“I think it’s cool that they do the extra credit part of it because it’s really important that we respect and celebrate our music educators,” Park said.
Mahesh Boddapati, sophomore, has been in Symphonic Orchestra since his freshman year and recently participated in Seussical by playing the cello in the pit orchestra which is where he heard about Ordway’s involvement in the SLSO.
Boddapati has played cello since he was in the 4th grade, and looks up to Ordway, as his main instrument is the cello as well.
“He inspires me because I know he’s a great cellist, so I aspire to be like him,” Boddapati said.
Boddapati said Ordway is a skilled musician and educator, and he appreciates him for his hardworking nature.
“Ordway is a really awesome, funny guy, and the best part about the class is playing different pieces that I never would have if I were in a different orchestra,” Boddapati said.
