Sumter’s Next Generation, presented by CCTC: Sumter High cellists, Region Orchestra members showcase meaningful friendship, musical harmony

A great ensemble not only has beautiful harmony in its music, but also among its instrumentalists. An example would be Sumter High Honors Orchestra cellists Kendall Schlager, Nikol Epps, Kylie Brock and David Vizcarra.

Seniors Kendall and Nikol, section leaders, junior Kylie and sophomore David have charted their own path to greatness, their cello in tow, their bow in hand and at each other’s sides. Since middle school, the four have known all too well the dedication and sacrifice it takes to be chosen for Region Orchestra, which made this last performance a cherished one.

Region Orchestra is the grand finale for ensemble students, a great payoff for their years of training and semester of hard work. While auditions require students to perform a pre-selected music solo, “It just clicks,” Kylie said when their preparation includes weeks of constant practice with their section. On audition day, hundreds of middle and high school orchestra students throughout the region gather at Sumter High to put their best note forward to earn a spot in the ensemble. Once a spot is secured, re-auditions – the most stressful part of the process, they said – determine an instrumentalist’s seat in the ensemble.

In previous years, the four cellists faced stiff competition and have either fallen short of their self-imposed expectations or risen to the occasion. Confidence has been a major key in their success, not only by finding it in themselves, but also sharing it with each other. It’s not easy to do, as Nikol shared they “hit a stump” at the beginning of the year. But she and Kendall feel they’ve made an impact on their section and built it back, confidence and friendship intact. Going into auditions, that confidence produced great results.

This year, Kendall placed seventh, Nikol placed second, Kylie placed 15th, and David placed sixth. Though some placements were not ideal, the opportunity to play together for region one last time was an experience this quartet will always treasure.

“I’m so happy that I’ve been able to spend these first two years with y’all. It’s crazy to think how far each and every one of us has come over the years, how much we’ve grown closer, how much we’ve grown as instrumentalists and as people,” David expressed. “I’m so thankful for each of you, truly.”

“Meeting you guys and working with both of you throughout these past three years has been almost everything I could ask for. Y’all have done so much for me, and I don’t know how I could ever repay you for that,” Kylie shared. “I really look forward to you guys going into your new lives and always come back and visit.”

There is a camaraderie, a warmth among this group that can be described in so many words: love, support, “gang” as Nikol dubbed them affectionately. But the one word that feels just right would be “family.” The shared experiences, moments filled with infectious laughter, the munching of Takis chips; their love for music translates into their love for one another, turning them into well-rounded, well-spoken and well-loved people. And that’s by design.

“[Orchestra director Erik] Hines always tells us, ‘I produce great people, not just great instrumentalists.’ And I think that the orchestra program has done that for each of us,” Kendall explained. “I think we’re ready for that next step because of these opportunities and because of the way we were treated and brought up in the orchestra program.”

With Sumter High Orchestra’s winter concert season wrapped up with a festive bow, the memories and melodies they’ve made through the years nestled warm inside, this last season is a gift these cellists will hold near and dear for years to come. But Kendall and Nikol had one final note to share with their fellow cellists, as they hope their impact will be passed on.

“I hope you guys continue to be amazing instrumentalists,” Nikol expressed, holding back tears.

“It’s been an honor to be your section leader and give you guys that push you need before we go off to the next thing, and I’m just glad I got to be here to see you guys shine,” Kendall said with a smile.

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