Junior Owen Lear started playing cello in 7th grade. He started playing without having any knowledge on classical music but was instantly drawn to the instrument. Since then, Lear has expanded his knowledge in the classical music genre and has come to appreciate the composition and beauty in such. Because of this, Lear encourages the widespread teaching and appreciation of music.

“I believe it’s a responsibility of public school systems to encourage interest in music,” Lear said. “It’s such an expansive and interesting genre, so I really hope that I can help to bring music to more people in the future.”