Unconventional Students at Rice: Orion Miller finds a world-class education and music school at Rice

Orion Miller is from New York and is a double bass performance major at Rice University. During his high school years, he looked up to certain schools and aspired to attend them, with Shepherd School of Music at Rice ranking high on his list. Unlike many of his peers who aimed for conservatories in major Northeastern cities, Orion sought something different. He valued the opportunity to receive a university education alongside learning from a world-class bass department, a combination he believed was unique to Rice.
Orion was drawn to Rice primarily for its orchestra, as he aspired to become an orchestra musician. The competitive yet collaborative environment at Shepherd was something he found special. Orion felt that everyone was on top of their game, all the while understanding that each person was at a different stage in their musical journey. This mutual understanding and support among the students made the experience even more enriching.
A unique aspect of Shepherd, according to Orion, was the daily interaction with professors. He noted seeing his professors, Paul Ellison and Timothy Pitts, more often than his roommates, which he found extremely beneficial for his development as a musician. This constant guidance and support were something he cherished.
Orion's freshman and sophomore years were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which stunted social interactions. However, as the situation improved, he engaged in various activities outside of music, such as joining the rugby team, to maintain a balanced life. Despite the risk of injury, particularly to his hands, which could impact his ability to play the double bass, Orion managed these risks carefully, especially when he had upcoming performances.
His ultimate goal, like many at Shepherd, was to join a symphony orchestra. Orion achieved this dream earlier in the year by winning an audition for the San Francisco Symphony, where he would start in September. Reflecting on his time at Rice, Orion felt deeply grateful for his time at Rice and foresaw himself reminiscing about these years as some of the best in his life.
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[@GeorgeColemusic]

Way to go!