Webster University Participates in SLSO College Connections Program
May 04, 2023
Hazelwood High School students with SLSO members from L to R: David Halen, Nicolae Bica, Yin Xiong, and Xi Zhang, and Music Department Professors Matt Pickart (L) and Paul Davis (R)
On May 2, Webster welcomed a group of students from Hazelwood Central High School’s orchestra to campus. The students were invited to Webster to participate in the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) College Connections program. College Connections serves as a bridge for music students who may have limited opportunities to visit colleges during high school. As part of their campus experience, the students met with admissions representatives, current students, took a campus tour, and enjoyed a chamber concert and Q&A session from members of the St. Louis Symphony.
“We are thrilled to connect the young student musicians of St. Louis with the professional music community and our Webster University faculty on our campus,” said Paul Davis, director of instrumental studies and associate professor of music. “The students brought such genuine energy and curiosity, and our SLSO guests were very giving of their musical gift."
The program was a result of the combined efforts from the Webster University Department of Music, Office of Admissions, and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Webster University is an official SLSO College Connections partner.
About College Connections:
Organized by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, College Connections serves as a bridge between music students who may have limited opportunities to visit colleges during their formative years and colleges who are aware that students involved with school music programs are among the most likely to perform well academically and go on to college. Using SLSO chamber concerts on campus as a catalyst for exploratory field trips, students from selected school music programs experience a comprehensive college visit including an overview and tour of the college, complimentary lunch, and a free SLSO chamber concert followed by Q&A.
Field trips are designed to help students develop confidence that college can be for them and inspire them to remain involved with their school music program as part of their pathway to college and beyond.
More information on the College Connections program can be found at slso.org.