At Steinbrenner High School, a rare phenomenon occurred over the past four years that deserves recognition. The Steinbrenner Orchestra got the chance to experience the leadership of an extraordinary group of presidents: Olivia Lazaro, Rita Mouannes, and Moritz Arnold. This group of students were able, along the side of orchestra instructor Andrea Szarowicz, to lead the 2024-2025 class orchestra class to greatness at the legendary Carnegie Hall in the heart of New York.
These students are equally talented in their own ways, along with all sharing their love for music. As many presidents have in the past, these students will leave their mark on this school for great reasons.
“It’s really nice to get to interact with all the people that I love, and that it’s a really nice environment.” Moritz Arnold, a senior at Steinbrenner High School, says. He shares that being a part of the orchestra in high school is something we would never look back on, and that some of his fondest moments were shared with his community there.
The orchestra room had nearly always been described as a place of comfort for most people, and a place that these students could always count on to bring them a sense of belonging. These presidents worked hard to make sure each class had what they needed to succeed, and this could only be achieved by following what you love.
“Music is definitely one of my own passions and being able to help people get to where they want in their playing ability is something that brings me joy,” said senior Rita Mouannes. She is open to the fact that she loves to see her peers succeeding. This joy is felt widespread throughout the orchestra community and seen in most people who Mouannes helps.
Orchestra president, Olivia Lazaro especially relates to this as she continues to look at the next classes of Steinbrenner and what they achieve. Lazaro recognizes that one of the things she gets joy from most in the orchestra after being held to such a role of accountability and responsibility is something so simple: “People actually knowing us, thanking us, and speaking highly about us.” Out of all the major accomplishments and events that come with being a president of orchestra, the simplest things can bring the most happiness.
Although all these presidents value their uniqueness, there is one thing for certain they have in common: their aspirations for the next classes of the Steinbrenner Orchestra. The presidents believe that although they have been to Carnegie Hall, the best is still yet to come.
“Keep working hard but also don’t forget to take time and really appreciate the people that are in Orchestra with you,” said Arnold. Working hard is hardly working to these students when they surround themselves with the people they strive to work with every single day.
Presidents Lazaro, Mouannes, and Arnold may be moving on and splitting up for college, but they hope to see their orchestra become what they worked for, and they continue to be endlessly round of their peers who helped them along the way.
