SOTM: Sarah Li

As we approach the end of the year and put a wrap on Thanksgiving, orchestra students have one more person to be thankful for this year. With her fantastic leadership and optimistic personality constantly on display, Symphony Orchestra cellist Sarah Li has made a lasting impact on her peers and rightfully earned the award of November SOTM. 

Sarah was introduced to music from an early age, starting with the piano when she was 6. Because the piano is a soloistic instrument, Sarah looked for other instruments that would allow her to join a school community and eventually settled on the cello when she was in 5th grade. Since then, Sarah has only gained a growing love for her instrument and she is currently the Symphony Orchestra Cello Section Leader. 

“The cello has such a wide range of expressive possibilities,” said Sarah. “The lower and upper registers give me freedom to explore different techniques, making it an amazing instrument to play.” 

As section leader, Sarah holds the responsibility of leading and teaching fellow cellists. Every Wednesday during sectionals, the section comes together to target specific challenges in each piece. 

“I’ve learned to communicate effectively with my section and other section leaders,” said Sarah. “In addition, I learned to balance guiding my section while working on personal improvement.” 

Having joined orchestra since Freshman year, Sarah has many memories to reflect on. She shared that her favorite concert was the recent Electrify Your Strings concert with rock violinist Mark Wood, while the most notable trip was the 2021 trip to Florida. 

“Through bonding activities, trips, and concerts, I have made a lot of lifelong friends,” exclaimed Sarah. “In addition, being in [Symphony Orchestra] presents the opportunity to play with Arcadia’s band and choir which is a rewarding and unique experience.”

Although Sarah currently has other plans for college, she wants to integrate music in her future, whether it be through joining school orchestras or performing in chamber groups. 

“Music has played a significant role in shaping me by teaching me patience and the value of collaboration,” said Sarah.  “It allows me to communicate and share feelings that words can’t always express which ultimately shaped me into a better individual.”

Outside of the cello, Sarah enjoys playing the piano, learning new instruments, travelling and baking. Congratulations again to Sarah, who has embodied the inspiring character of an AHS Orchestra student! Her talent, leadership, and passion for music set a high standard for future orchestra members.