An Ensemble of New Beginnings

Story by Emerson Godfrey – Staff Reporter

A new school year also means new opportunities for teachers here at Lee’s Summit North. The orchestras have a new welcome: Samantha Asel, the orchestra head director. Ms. Asel was a student at Lee’s Summit West High School and attended Mizzou. College is where she discovered her love for teaching.

   “Getting to be a part of a classroom environment, too, in college, was what really changed my perspective on it. And just seeing different teachers, and different kinds of students, and how they learn, really inspired me to continue to foster a love of music in other students,” Asel said.

   However, her passion for music did not start then. Ms. Asel began playing cello and switched to bass in 6th grade. Her enthusiasm for music has only gotten stronger since then.

   “I think my end-of-year concert last year was one of my favorite teaching moments because I got to see how much they [students] had changed, not only as musicians, but just as people,” Asel said.

   Ms. Asel chose the job position at LSN because of her familiarity with the program and the connections with students.

   “I knew how awesome the orchestra program is here. And it’s really special, too, because of the fact that as the orchestra director here, I’m also the 8th-grade director at Campbell. So, I get to know those kids from 8th grade all the way through high school,” Asel said.

   Helping the orchestra program prosper is something that Ms. Asel values. She believes LSN is a great place for new possibilities to begin.

   “I’m really looking forward to playing new and exciting music and especially that symphony level with the winds and percussion,” Asel said.

   The same thoughts go for members of the orchestra, as Ms. Asel begins her new position in the music department. In addition to getting to know her, students are excited for what she’ll bring to the program.

   “I’m looking forward to all the fun songs we will get to play, and looking forward to the year with Ms. Asel,” Laina Langren, sophomore, said.

   The orchestras are excited to welcome the new director and the environment she creates. Lee’s Summit North will have many new possibilities and enjoyable moments with Ms. Asel this school year and beyond.

Photo courtesy of LSN