Cellist Travis Scharer grew up in Salem Oregon where his primary teachers were Noah Seitz and Oregon Symphony cellist Marilyn De Oliveira. He then studied at Indiana University for five years under the tutelage of former Cincinnati Symphony principal cellist, Eric Kim. During his time in Indiana, he served as principal cellist of the the Philharmonic Orchestra, the school’s top ensemble, collaborated with faculty members Katherine Jolly, Stephen Wyrczynski, and Jorja Fleezanis, and was a member of the Kuttner Quartet, the university’s resident honors ensemble. Travis continued his schooling at the New England Conservatory where he studied with Boston Symphony Principal cellist Blaise Dejardin. In the summers, Travis has taken part in many music festivals including the Marrowstone Music Festival, and the Meadowmount School of Music, and has received fully paid fellowships to attend the Texas Music Festival, Port Townsend Chamber Music Workshop, and the Aspen Music Festival. Travis is thrilled to be joining the Arkansas Symphony, and Quapaw String Quartet for the 2023-24 season