Hard Work Pays Off: West Middle Double Bassist Takes First Chair in All Suburban Orchestra

West Middle School’s orchestra student, Avery Ray, recently shined as the first chair double bassist in the 7/8th Grade All Suburban Orchestra. 

Avery has been playing the double bass for three years, initially choosing the instrument because, “it looked fun.” While the All Suburban Orchestra performed together in early January, it all started with the audition process back in September. 

“Once I was given the music, I worked on it with a lot of different people to make sure it sounded good,” Avery said. “I felt really great about my audition, I put a lot of work into it.” 

West Middle orchestra teacher, Linnea Johansen, said that Avery’s acceptance into the orchestra is a result of not only her incredible musical talent, but is a testament to her dedication. 

“It’s really kind of the fruit of her labor, she practiced really hard and she sounds really good,” Ms. Johansen said. “I’m so proud of her, she works so hard and she totally deserves the honor. She didn’t even think she was going to make it and then not only does she make it, but she gets first stand.” 

“The first stand is called the principal,” Avery explained. “It’s kind of the best player of the instrument in that orchestra.” 

In addition to being part of the All Suburban Orchestra, Avery is also a member of the Webster Community Music School as part of the Young Person Concert Orchestra. That group is also an auditioned group. Additionally, she is part of a group called Gateway Music Outreach, which is run by Central High’s Orchestra Director, James McKay. 

“Avery is a really, really good musician, but it’s paired with her working hard,” Ms. Johansen said. “To get into the All Suburban Orchestra, she worked on musicality, technique, skillset, and just a really wide range of things. She had to do a two-octave scale and then excerpts as well as a site reading piece.” 

Avery and Ms. Johansen both felt a lot of pride in Avery’s audition and acceptance into the orchestra. 

“I felt really proud because I knew I worked really hard on it,” Avery said. 

“There’s only a handful of kids who make it into this group, so it’s the best of the best,” Ms. Johansen added. “It’s really impressive and it’s quite an honor for her, and for me. I’m proud to be able to teach her and guide her along the journey she’s been going on.”