Luke Nowak

Luke Nowak, a senior at Saint Louis Priory School, is excited to return for his fourth season with the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. He has played percussion for twelve years; his passion sparked when his father brought home a drum set from a neighbor’s garage sale. Although his school lacks a music program, Nowak actively seeks performance opportunities. He has performed in the pit orchestra for Take 3’s production of Narnia and Saint Louis Priory’s productions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Additionally, he contributes to the musical liturgy at Saint Clare of Assisi parish every Sunday, playing piano, organ, and timpani for Mass. Nowak also enjoys playing drum set, with a particular fondness for classic rock and jazz.  

Beyond music, Nowak spends time with friends, plays frisbee, watches football, and enjoys fishing. He works as a camp counselor at Bobby McCormack’s Basketball Camp and is a member of the St. Louis Storm Ultimate Frisbee team.  

Nowak expresses gratitude to those who have supported his percussion journey, especially his grandfather, who instilled his love for percussion; his former instructor, Karen Nichols, for building his passion and skills; his current instructor, Alan Stewart, Assistant Principal Percussionist for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra; and his family for their faith and support in his musical and personal endeavors. Nowak looks forward to continuing his work with the YO.