SLSO

Music teacher performs with St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Posted on 02/13/2018

Elementary school music teacher Daniel Cox had the honor of performing alongside the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, promoting music in education, and representing Poplar Bluff R-I. 

Cox was chosen among 90 music teachers in Missouri and Illinois to play in the special concert on Friday, Feb. 2, at Powell Hall, under New Zealand-born resident conductor Gemma New. 

“Learning music in schools leads students to live a joyous lifestyle, one that can bring them through dark nights or scary situations,” Cox wrote in an essay during the selection process. “I personally believe that when students sing daily, their overall mood improves, and that leads to higher performance in their studies.” 

Cox was only given two hours to practice playing the violin with the orchestra prior to showtime. Several of his school colleagues and family members accompanied him to express their support. The event was underwritten by Commerce Bank, allowing for free admission. 

A teacher of vocal music at both Oak Grove and O’Neal, Cox has been employed by the school district for four years. He studied music at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, and is classically trained in violin and voice, with a K-12 vocal and instrumental music education certification. 

Having been involved in orchestras in the past including the Quincy Symphony under Bruce Briney, Cox has always dreamed of playing with the SLSO. He said he will use the experience to show students that they can achieve their goals too if they stay the course. He hopes the side-by-side concert becomes an annual tradition, celebrating music teachers. 

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Cutline: Instructor Daniel Cox plays the violin with regional music educators alongside the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

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