Beyond the bell

Above: DEDICATED MUSICIANS: A photo illustration of Clarke Central High School students Guy Smolik, a senior, (left) and Sterling Williams, a junior, (right) shows the student musicians playing their instruments in Athens, Ga. during the 2025-26 school year. Being involved with the Athens Symphony and CCHS Orchestra, Williams has learned how to balance both worlds. “There is a big difference between academic music and (professional) music,” Williams said. “With academic music, it's really easy to get wrapped up in (its practical aspects). I started hating my instrument because I was just practicing and not taking a second to really enjoy it. I found that, when you mix the two worlds of enjoying what you're playing and realizing it's (just) music, you go the furthest.” Photos courtesy of Sterling Williams and Guy Smolik, design by Finley Sleppy 

CCHS student musicians have found support and inspiration in furthering their musical and personal development both inside and outside the classroom. 

From multiple scheduled rehearsals to balancing schoolwork, student musicians live a busy and committed life to keep up with their academics and explore their creative interests.

Clarke Central High School offers a variety of musical courses in its fine arts program for students to expand their musical skills. Some of these courses provide musicians with opportunities in the community to use those skills. CCHS Assistant Director of Bands Jordan Raysor believes his students should extend themselves beyond the walls of CCHS.

“(Local music) helps them a lot, because (the exposure) gives them something to listen to,” Raysor said. “It's really hard to develop your sound if you don't know what a professional (musician) sounds like, (so) hearing someone that has more experience than you can always help you better yourself.” 

Above: MUSICAL RELATIONSHIP: Clarke Central High School Assistant Director of Bands Jordan Raysor advises a CCHS student during the Intermediate, Advanced and Expert Band class in Room 0630 on Feb. 10. Raysor had advocated for a collaborative approach to form a stronger foundation for success. “It’s a teamwork thing between the conductor and the band, so having a better relationship (with students) just lets (everyone) build more on music, because all music is, is emotion and trust,” Raysor said. Photo by Finley Sleppy

CCHS students Sterling Williams, a junior, and Guy Smolik, a senior have been involved with the school’s fine arts program since they were freshmen, and with support from bandmates, teachers and the Athens, Ga. music scene, they have expanded their musical endeavors. 

Williams joined the Athens Symphony, a local community orchestra that hosts programs year round, in August 2025. Smolik has performed with several local Athens bands, such as Little Mae, during his high school career. 

Although exploring more professional opportunities has positively impacted CCHS student musicians, Smolik understands the struggles that come with juggling several commitments at once.

“(I experience) burnout for sure. Sometimes I'll get really tired, but also (have) schedule complications and some things overlap,” Smolik said. “Sometimes, I have to miss or leave (band) practice early to go (play a) show.”  

Click on each picture to learn more about these student musicians’ experiences. 

Above: BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: A series of graphics highlights Clarke Central High School students Guy Smolik, a senior (far left) and Sterling Williams, a junior (far right), in their respective musical endeavors. CCHS Assistant Director of Bands Jordan Raysor appreciated the advocacy to maintain the fine arts program at CCHS. “(The role of fine arts programs) shows that music is an important thing,” Raysor said. “There's a lot of things that you teach and get taught in music that apply to your outside life, and it doesn't have to (just) go into school. It can help with a whole bunch of things.” Stories and graphics by Finley Sleppy, photos by Iliana Tejada, Lucas Donnelly and courtesy of the Athens Symphony

Overall, these challenges don’t necessarily discourage student musicians from continuing to pursue professional musical opportunities. Williams has learned that balancing both experiences has increased her personal and musical development. 

“(There’s a) huge music scene in Athens, and I guess that environment pushes me to want to be a better musician,” Williams said. “Seeing other people go (above) and beyond to pursue more than required music (and play) music that (they) enjoy, I'm totally inspired by that.” 

Story by Finley Sleppy

Finley Sleppy is a junior at Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia and is the Managing Editor for the iliad Literary-Art Magazine. This year, she hopes to grow as a leader and overall creative person by trying things out of her comfort zone and supporting the CCHS community creatively. In her free time, she enjoys playing music, eating all different types of food and hanging out with her friends and family.