Junior Jack Hancock has been influenced by music ever since he first began playing when he joined the orchestra in third grade.

“The other people I’m in the orchestra with are all dedicated musicians,” Jack said. “It is fun making music with them. They inspire me, and I hope that I inspire them too.”

Jack devotes the majority of his time into his favorite instrument, the upright bass, which he plays in the orchestra, but he is also very skilled at the electric bass in the pit band for school musicals. Every Sunday, Jack participates in a hand bell choir at his church.

“He brings joy and happiness to my classroom which is really nice,” orchestra teacher Ms. Lauren Flack said.

Jack’s older brother, Max, who played the bass the year before him, inspired him to play the bass.

He frequented a program hosted by Marywood University several times in middle school, and he participated in the county band, playing the upright bass his freshman year.

Although Jack does not plan to play an instrument professionally, he does hope to pursue playing the upright bass in college.

“He is always willing to help when I’m not there. He will step up and conduct my class,” Ms. Flack said.