From a young age, Jaxon Anderson had always been surrounded by music. Now as a junior at Wheeling Park High School, he participates in the orchestra, engineering program, and also plays lacrosse for the Patriots. While engineering and lacrosse have been newfound interests, music has been something he has favored since he was a kid, even learning new instruments.
“I’ve been in the orchestra since fourth grade, and my main instrument is the viola. I’ve recently added violin, and I’m learning cello and bass. While I don’t see it as a career, I do want it to be a small part of my life, potentially joining a club or band,” said Anderson.
A month ago, the WPHS music department performed the annual Festival of Sound on December 13 and 14. While the weekend was marked by snow, Jaxon still enjoyed the experience that comes only once a year during the holiday season.
“It was an enjoyable experience. I always have a great time playing those concerts. Obviously, the weather was very unpredictable, and that made it interesting. Regardless, it was still a great time, and I was doing what I love,” said Anderson.
Since he started at Wheeling Park High School in 2023, Jaxon has had two separate directors, Mr. Podolski and Ms. Grube. He had Mr. Podolski for his final year as a freshman, and for his sophomore and junior years, Ms. Grube. While he misses Mr. Podolski, he likes what Ms. Grube has offered.
“It’s very eye-opening to see what different directors can show you, and not to say that one is better than the other, but different opinions are always very good to take from,” said Anderson.
Wheeling Park High School musical director Ms. Grube had great things to say about Jaxon Anderson and the performance of Festival of Sound.
“Jaxon’s a really strong leader. He plays viola for us, and he sits right in the front. He’s both a really talented player and a good section. He gives a lot of feedback to people and is always willing to help them in the end. [At Festival of Sound] I thought everyone did a really great job. It was a great show, and we had a lot of fun. It was really sad that we had to cancel Sunday, but that’s life. I thought Jaxon did a really nice job,” said Ms. Grube.
Even though Jaxon doesn’t know where music will take him in the future, it has given him lessons that he can take for life, and it is a hobby he will always have a passion for.
“I think music without passion can be very dry, and when you’re passionate about something, you can definitely have more of an impact when you do it,” said Anderson.
