Member Spotlight: Ira Lasiter

Members selected for the Member Spotlight have been nominated by members and patrons of the orchestra as people we'd like to know more about! We hope you enjoy reading about members in the Member Spotlight section. If you would like to nominate either a current or past member or conductor of the orchestra, email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the name of the person you would like to nominate.

Meet Ira Lasiter, who first came to the SSO last spring as part of the "Play with the SSO" program and is now a member of the orchestra. Once students become eligible in their sophomore year of high school, they may become part of the orchestra as full members and must meet the same criteria as their fellow orchestra members. 

Name: Ira Lasiter
Instrument: Clarinet

Ira Lasiter

What is your musical background (instruments, groups, honor bands, etc)?

I have taken private piano lessons from Ms Carol Holiman at Starlings since 2019 while also performing in the Masters Group at Starling’s. I started playing clarinet at Bryant Middle School in 6th grade. I have taught myself, with the help of sporadic tutors, the flute and Baritone Saxophone and even picking up additional side instruments for experience. Such as Piccolo and Oboe . I played Bari Sax and piano with the occasion of flute and clarinet in the Bryant Junior High Jazz Band and just Clarinet in Honors Band. I have participated and placed at both Jazz and Concert All Region Band for 2 years. I am in the Legacy Competitive Band and Symphonic Band playing clarinet.

Why do you play with the SSO?

I love learning from the more experienced musicians that this opportunity affords me. It’s beautiful. I am very appreciative of the student program with the SSO, and I hope those in the audience who love music will continue to contribute to the SSO so that we can always bring the joy of performing to everyone in Saline County and beyond.

One piece of advice about music:

Find your passion and don’t let go. Don’t chase what you don’t love. Mine being I want to learn as many instruments as possible.

What are your future music plans?

I will study music in college and am looking at being a music therapist like Ms. Carol (using music to help others in therapy) or an instructor in schools (high school or college).