Norah Murphy

Norah Murphy, a senior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, is excited for her fourth season with the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. Thanks to her many teachers, family members, friends, and programs around St. Louis, Murphy’s music journey has been rewarding and successful! Murphy’s love for music began with her first guitar lesson at age nine. She played the saxophone for a couple of years before switching to percussion in 7th grade. 

Murphy has participated in many bands, orchestras, and ensembles throughout her time as a percussionist. These include the Young People Symphonic Orchestra, the CMS Percussion Ensemble, Town & Country Symphony Orchestra, and LHWHS’s Symphonic band. She has received All-Suburban band honors in general percussion and timpani and was the timpanist for the All-State Orchestra. In addition to percussion, Murphy made the All Suburban and All State Choir for Missouri as an alto. Over the last few years Murphy has filled her summers with musical experiences such as the Juilliard Summer Percussion Seminar, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists program. These summer programs have proved influential and inspiring for Murphy, deepening her love for music. 

Outside of percussion, Murphy enjoys all things music. She has played the guitar for over eight years and likes to play the piano and sing. She has recently begun seriously writing her own music, and she has plans to record and release some of her work. In addition, Murphy serves as Music Director of Ladue High School’s Viva Voce, an all-female a cappella group. She also loves to attend concerts and give private music lessons in both percussion & guitar