March is Music In Our Schools Month, and we will be highlighting University View Academy students throughout the month who have a passion for music.
Anna Kate – UVA Freshman
Last November, Anna Kate performed in the American Choral Directors Association State Honor Choir in New Orleans. She’s been in the choir since 3rd grade and loves choral singing. She can also play the piano and the guitar as she loves all things music.
Anna Kate is in her second year of schooling at UVA and loves the flexibility it allows her. She is also in her first year of the Early College program at UVA, which gives her the opportunity to earn her Associate’s degree by the time she finishes high school.
Gerrit & Lorena
Gerrit and Lorena are siblings. Gerrit, a junior, plays the cello. Lorena, a senior, plays the violin. Both siblings started playing their instruments in 6th grade and enjoy playing in groups. They are actively involved in several orchestra and chamber groups, including the Louisiana Youth Orchestra. Gerrit was recently selected to play cello in the prestigious All-State Orchestra for the second year in a row.
Lorena enrolled at UVA in 6th grade and Gerrit enrolled in 5th grade. They appreciate their teachers, especially their music teachers Mr. Johnson and Mr. Torns. They enjoy UVA’s flexible schedule that allows them to devote more time to their music activities. We are proud of their accomplishments.
Rowynn – UVA Freshman
Rowynn is the principal flautist for the Louisiana Junior Youth Orchestra’s 2024-25 season. She is also in the the East Baton Rouge All-Parish Honor Band and the UVA Talented Music Program. In addition to flute, she also takes piano lessons.
Rowynn has been playing flute for almost four years. She loves spending time with friends and family, crafting, singing in her church choir, and cooking and baking. She is also enrolled in the Early College Program at UVA, which will give her the opportunity to earn her associate degree by the time she finishes high school.
Jayden – UVA Sophomore
Jayden is in his first year at UVA. He wasrecently selected to play bass trombone in the East Baton Rouge All-Parish Concert Band. He is also a member of the Louisiana Youth Orchestra. He plays piano and saxophone in addition to trombone.
Jayden has always felt a connection to music and says “Music has the power to create amazing energy and tell a story.” He enjoys the individualized music instruction at UVA.
Reigh Clare – UVA Senior
Reigh Clare is a senior at UVA and has been involved with music since the day she was born. An aspiring singer with a song already released on Spotify, Reigh Clare’s first memory of singing was with her karaoke set and a CD from the television show Victorious.
“I love that music gives people an outlet to feel all the feelings that they need,” she noted. “When words can’t describe the way you feel, there’s always a song that can speak for you. Music is there to comfort you, hype you up, calm you down, and so much more.”
Reigh Clare is in year two of her studies at UVA and is on track to graduate this May.
“My experience at UVA has been amazing!”, she mentioned. “It has pushed me academically, and the teachers are always here for you. The flexibility of the online learning has allowed me to make my own schedule and pursue my dreams, while also getting a quality education.”
Reigh Claire has taken trips to Los Angeles and Nashville to record music. Her first song, Have You Here, was released in October of 2024, and she has plans for more songs in the future.
A member of the UVA Drama Club and UVA Glee Club, Reigh Claire has been participating in theater for three years where she gets to sing live in plays.
“When I sing and see people’s smiles and reactions, it makes me feel like I’m spreading joy and love with others.”
West Baton Rouge Museum Field Trip