CMS Mentorship Propels Student to Orchestral Success

For clarinetist Evyn Levy, music began in a Creve Coeur elementary school band room and found its true direction through her transformative relationship with Jeanine York-Garesché at the Community Music School (CMS) of Webster University.

Today, she holds a full-time clarinet position with the Louisville Orchestra — an achievement she credits in large part to the foundation and mentorship she received at CMS.

Evyn's musical path started with a moment of discovery at her elementary school. When it came time to pick an instrument for the school band, she initially had her heart set on the trumpet. However, as Director Faye Siegel wrote on her instrument recommendation, "Evyn thought she wanted to play trumpet, but could not get the blowing figured out. She was a natural on clarinet and within a few minutes was playing songs."

Her family happened to have a plastic clarinet at home that she had already played around with, making the transition feel natural and comfortable — an easy first step into what would become a lifelong musical journey.

From there, her interest in music grew steadily through middle and high school ensembles and district honor bands. But it was studying with longtime CMS clarinet instructor Jeanine York-Garesché that proved transformational. Jeanine helped Evyn prepare for her first orchestral experiences — starting with CMS’s Young People's Symphonic Orchestra (YPSO), and later with the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Learning the intricacies of orchestral playing — blend, balance, intonation — was a turning point in Evyn's development. Equally important was Jeanine's approach to audition preparation and practice methodology. Evyn credits York-Garesché with introducing her to structured, goal-oriented practice habits that she still uses professionally today.

"Jeanine had me start keeping a practice journal," she explained. "I wrote down everything I was going to do, what I actually practiced and made sure I wasn't neglecting anything." What began as a tool to help manage ADHD and focus better in high school has since become an essential part of her professional life.

At first, Evyn thought she might pursue a different career and keep music as a serious hobby. But a visit to Oberlin Conservatory — suggested by York-Garesché — shifted her perspective. Sitting in on a rehearsal, she felt an immediate pull.

"By the end of that rehearsal I realized, 'Oh, this seems really cool. I actually do want to do this.'"

Evyn went on to earn her undergraduate degree at Oberlin, followed by graduate study at the Eastman School of Music. Though she earned a position in Arkansas after Eastman, Evyn decided to accept a position with the New World Symphony — a prestigious training orchestra in Miami.

“Eastman taught me how to audition,” she said. “New World prepared me for the actual job.”

The path to her current position with the Louisville Orchestra wasn’t easy. Evyn estimates she took between 15 and 20 auditions across North America, including for orchestras in Detroit, Toronto, Montreal and St. Louis. Again, Evyn relied on the foundational practice and organization skills taught by York-Garesché — her meticulously organized spreadsheet-based preparation method.

Now in her first year with the Louisville Orchestra, Evyn is finding both artistic fulfillment and a strong sense of community.

"It's not about being with the biggest orchestra," she said. "It's about being in a place where people are kind, the city is great and the work is meaningful."

As she works toward earning tenure, Evyn remains grounded and grateful for the journey — especially its beginning with Jeanine York-Garesché at CMS.

"CMS was where I learned how to practice for real," she said. "It was my first orchestra. My first audition prep. My first teacher who knew how to guide me. Jeanine set me up for everything that came next."

The feeling is mutual. York-Garesché reflects on her former student's achievement with evident pride.

"I am so thrilled that Evyn is beginning her first season with the Louisville Orchestra! She has always had the musical and mental capacity to excel. I look forward to keeping in touch with her and continuing to follow her journey as a very promising professional clarinetist. She is also a super nice person, colleague and friend."

The relationship forged in those CMS studios became the bedrock upon which Evyn's entire professional career was built, demonstrating the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have on a student's life trajectory — and the lasting bonds that extend far beyond the lesson room.