The school’s Fine Arts department is no stranger to success, and this year Orchestra has further proved that fact. With two students earning All State Orchestra honors and the full chamber orchestra receiving superior ratings and being one of only a few LCPS programs to be recognized by Virginia Band and Orchestra Association (VBODA) as a Program of Distinction, Bulldog string players have celebrated a year at the top of their game.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the program’s committed conductor Erin Stavropulos. Her love for music started at just 10 years old, and her teaching journey started over 15 years ago with Eagle Ridge Middle School. This noteworthy year came as a result of her direction in her fifth year teaching at Stone Bridge.
“There’s a balance,” Ms. Stavropulos said when asked about what was done differently this year to see the improvements. “I think between pushing to be better and trying to overall enjoy what [students are] doing and build a good community. So, I think that now they know how to work hard and play hard.”
Anthony Zhou, a junior violinist, is a testament to the strong balance of the program and is one of the many reasons for the ensemble’s success. Being able to gain skills and opportunities not only within his musical journey but also a more personal one as well, Zhou is an integral part of the chamber orchestra.
“Funny thing with instruments, but you never truly realize you get better when you grow,” Zhou said. “However, with each harder piece, every small piece of knowledge, and the moments where you can really look back, help you realize how much you have truly grown.”
Zhou’s growth through the program is shown through his achievement of being able to play key roles during assessments. Zhou fondly remembers playing through his favorite pieces, ranging from “Themes of Romeo and Juliet” to “Subterranean Dialogues.”
Another junior in the program, Samatha Gloe, has been participating in orchestra since the 6th grade. Gloe plays double bass in Stone Bridge’s ensemble and in the local Loudoun Youth Symphony, an amazing accomplishment that has added to her personal success this year.
Gloe is one of the students along with senior violinist Claire Lee who made it into the Virginia All State Orchestra. Last Year, Gloe was able to make an alternate position even as a sophomore, and it was one of the things that motivated her to pave her way to the top as she did this school year.
“I met a lot of awesome people, and it was a super immersive weekend,” Gloe said. “I spent a lot of time preparing and practicing, so it was super rewarding to get accepted.”
This impressive year is only the start for future success in the orchestra program. With an outstanding community and dedication from young, accomplished string players, the school awaits future distinctions that are sure to come.
