Youth Orchestra
Emily Blackwell
Emily Blackwell is a senior at University City High School and is beginning her first season as a member of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.
She has participated in her school’s orchestra program since 4th grade. With a growing love for the violin, she later studied under SLSO musician Michael Casimir and then Professor John McGrosso of the University of St. Louis–Missouri.
Orchestral and chamber music have always been the most alluring part of playing violin for Emily. She has been a part of the UMSL Symphony Orchestra for 3 years and has performed chamber music at the Colorado Chamber Music Institute and the Lawrence Summer Music Institute in 2024.
Along with violin, Emily has also been learning piano for over 2 years. Outside of music, she enjoys writing and has published two essays in her school’s academic journal, “Young Intellectuals”. She also enjoys baking and is a part of the National Honors Society and the archery team at her school.
Emily is incredibly grateful for her past and present music teachers for guiding her through the art of the violin. She is also greatly appreciative of her family and high school orchestra director Grace Fitter for providing her endless support and encouragement throughout the years.
