A message from Director of Upper School, Dr. Anna Barter:

As we look to the 23-24 school year, we want to share the news that orchestra teacher and Visitation alumna, Meghan McGuire, has decided to leave her teaching position at Visitation to pursue her passion for cello performance. In her six years at Visitation, Meghan has grown the orchestra program not only in size but in ability. What’s more, Meghan has served as a mentor to her students in ways that extend beyond school. In a reflection, Meghan shares:

The best way to learn something is to teach it.

  "As a Vis grad of nearly 30 years ago, little did I know that I'd have the opportunity to
  live my own senior quote. Working with orchestra students at Visitation has been an
  illuminating and inspiring part of my life, and I leave with a full and thankful heart.
  Without a doubt, the experience of teaching orchestra at Vis has made me a better
  musician and I will carry forward the heartfelt connections I've made with students,
  faculty, staff, and friends of Visitation. It has been a privilege to serve this amazing
  community for the past six years and I look forward to returning in a volunteer capacity in
  the future."

As Meghan notes, we are happy that she will continue to be a presence in our community, continuing to work with students via her private studio as well as via her involvement as a volunteer and substitute teacher.

As I am filled with gratitude for all that Meghan has given to Visitation and the Performing Arts Department, I am also thrilled to report that Ross Bell will take the reins of the Middle School/Upper School orchestra program starting next fall. Ross has his B.A. in music with an emphasis on trumpet performance and an MA in music with an emphasis in orchestral conducting. He plays a variety of instruments, including the upright bass. And while many in our Visitation community might be familiar with Mr. Bell in light of his role in the Lower School music program, it is noteworthy that he has extensive experience in the high school setting, most notably as Director of Music at Nerinx Hall High School in St. Louis, Missouri from 2002-2013. Indeed, Mr. Bell brings a breadth of knowledge and experience that will carry forward the momentum built under Ms. McGuire’s tenure.

To ensure a smooth transition, Upper School orchestra students are invited to attend an informal gathering on Thursday, June 1 from 12:30-12:55 p.m. in the orchestra room that will include Ms. McGuire and Mr. Bell. We are eager to vision together the hopes for next year’s orchestra program before going separate ways over the summer.