Violinist, Ava Janes, is a Senior at Mary Institute and Country Day School (MICDS) in St. Louis. She began playing violin at age four, and when she turned twelve, she was one of the youngest members to be accepted into the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra (SLSYO). She has been part of SLSYO for four years and currently studies under Andrea Jarrett, a St. Louis Symphony Orchestra member.
During her time with the YO, Ava was also involved in numerous shows, orchestras, and competitions. Ava was part of the St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association (SLSMEA) Orchestra for two years, where she earned the role of Principal Second Violinist. She also participated in the SLSMEA Solo Ensemble Competition, achieving the highest marking for four consecutive years. She participated in Lawrence University’s Camber Odyssey Camp and Webster University’s Summer Strings Camp to further her technical abilities. While in Wydown Middle School, she was Co-concertmaster in the Honors Orchestra for two consecutive years.
Ava earned Principal Second Violinist with Webster University's Young People's Concert Orchestra (YPCO) and participated in the Young People's Symphonic Orchestra (YPSO). Ava is the current Concertmaster of the MICDS orchestra and is the Art Council Co-Head in MICDS's student-led government. In the Art Council, she fundraises for various art programs around St. Louis and ensures inclusion among all people through the arts through multiple exhibits and cultural events. In addition to her work in the Art Council, she provides violin lessons to children around St. Louis.
When not playing violin or studying for her next exams, Ava participates in numerous extracurriculars and hobbies. Ava is the Anatomy Club Co-Head, a Rambassador, in Sustainable Futures, and Seldom Scene. Ava dreams of becoming a doctor and volunteering for Doctors Without Borders to support countries with weak financial stability and service them with healthcare. As a Senior, she is working to earn admission into a dual-degree program with conservatories and universities to support her passions in healthcare and music.
Ava lives with her mother, Jennifer, father, Robert, and two sisters, Delaney and Poppy, in Creve Coeur, Missouri. She enjoys watching short films, listening to music, exercising, reading, learning different instruments, and volunteering in her free time. Ava is thankful for everyone who has been involved with her music career and who continues to support her every day.
