“Considerate. Generous. Hardworking.”

Those are just a few words that Grant Meyer (10) used to describe the kind, talented and passionate person that Connor Velleca (11) is. 

“Something that Connor has that not many people have is his go with the flow vibe. If something happens, he’s usually one of the first people to say, ‘Ok, let’s figure out how to take this situation and make the best of it.’ His type of humor is also unlike anyone else’s,” Meyer said. 

Velleca has been in band for six years. Velleca plays saxophone but what most people don’t know is he can also play three other instruments. 

“My favorite show I’ve ever done is this year’s show, ‘Black Bird Set Free.’ My favorite band memory would probably be movement 2 from that show.”

Aside from band, Velleca tends to enjoy helping out with theater lighting, running in track and playing video games.

His dad has been a big influence in his life and is his biggest role model. 

“He has helped me with a lot of things,” Velleca said.

Other than school and video games, Velleca thinks highly of life after high school. 

“I’m going to Mizzou most likely and hopefully gonna be a part of Marching Mizzou,” Velleca said.

He can often be seen in school sporting his yellow, white, and black Mizzou merch.

“I think he’s a great leader. He cares about our program and he puts his all into it,” fellow band student Lyla Matteson (12) said. “He keeps people engaged but he keeps the fun. He does his job well and it has been incredible watching him develop into the musician he is today. I am genuinely proud of him.”

Velleca is known around school programs for his spunky and upbeat attitude and will be cherished for the year to come.