Drew Schumaker

Drew Schumaker is a sophomore at Westminster Christian Academy and is thrilled for his first season with the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. He began playing oboe with his middle school band at the age of 11 and, in addition, played piano for seven years, eventually shifting his focus to the oboe in high school. 

Schumaker has been part of the Zionsville Middle School band for four years, and the Westminster band for one year. During his time playing the oboe, he has participated in numerous extracurriculars, such as the Indiana State School Music Association Solo and Ensemble festival. He participated with both piano and oboe for four years and received a gold medal for every performance. Additionally, Schumaker was selected twice for the Indiana Bandmasters’ Association All-Region Honor Band. Recently, Schumaker has participated in the pit orchestra of Secret Garden at Westminster as the only oboist. When not playing music, Schumaker enjoys reading, running, playing board and video games, and being out in nature. 

Schumaker would like to thank his numerous band directors and oboe instructors, including Mr. Murray, Mr. Schroeder, and Mr. Weirich, Dr. Gargrave, and private instructors Dr. Barrett and Professor Para. He would also like to thank his parents and grandparents for always supporting his interests and encouraging him to keep practicing and playing. Finally, he thanks the SLSO and the YO for providing the opportunity for students to play music in a professional setting and grow in their musical experience.