Joshua Segraves ’28: Leading Through Music and Community
In the orchestra room at Strake Jesuit, music is more than performance—it is a form of leadership, discipline, and expression. Joshua Segraves ’28 exemplifies this spirit through his work as the principal cellist in the Strake Jesuit/St. Agnes Orchestra, and through his deep commitment to the craft of music.
As principal cellist, Josh carries responsibilities that extend beyond mastering his own instrument. He leads his section, collaborates closely with the orchestra director and fellow section leaders, and helps ensure that rehearsals and performances run smoothly. In many ways, the role mirrors that of an assistant conductor—guiding fellow musicians while helping shape the ensemble’s overall sound.
Josh’s dedication to music extends far beyond campus. He performs with the Houston Youth Symphony Orchestra, where he previously served as principal cellist, and studies chamber music at Houston’s Opus One program. During the summer, he continues to develop his craft at intensive music camps, including Brevard Music Center in North Carolina and Interlochen Arts Camp. His commitment to excellence recently led to a major accomplishment: placing third in the Texas All-State Orchestra competition.
Yet for Josh, music is about more than technical skill. It is also a way of connecting with others and expressing something deeper. Reflecting on the relationship between music and faith, he describes how performing, especially in liturgical settings, can become a form of worship.
“Music can really touch people and evoke emotions and experiences,” he explains. When he plays, he strives to connect emotionally with the music and communicate something meaningful to the audience. Whether performing in Mass or in a concert hall, he approaches each piece with a sense of purpose and devotion.
That sense of purpose requires extraordinary discipline. While music may appear effortless in performance, Josh emphasizes that the craft demands years of careful, structured practice. Rather than simply playing through difficult pieces, he breaks them down step by step—focusing first on rhythm and accuracy before gradually shaping phrasing, dynamics, and musical expression.
This methodical approach has influenced more than just his musical development. He notes that the same process —building understanding from small details into a larger whole—has also helped him approach academics with greater clarity and focus.
Despite his impressive achievements, Josh remains grounded in the collaborative spirit that defines the Strake Jesuit fine arts program. He credits much of his growth to the relationships he has formed with teachers and classmates.
“Instruction has to be personal,” he explains, “Everyone learns differently, and great teachers recognize that.” At Strake Jesuit, he says, the emphasis on relationships and mentorship reflects the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis— care for the individual person.
For younger students who may feel hesitant about pursuing music or the arts, Josh offers simple advice: just start. “You never know where music will take you,” he says. What began as an activity he initially approached reluctantly has grown into a passion that shapes his daily life and future aspirations. Whether he ultimately pursues music professionally or keeps it as a lifelong passion, Josh knows one thing for certain: the cello will remain an integral part of his life.
Through leadership, discipline, faith, and a spirit of collaboration, Joshua Segraves ’28 embodies what it means to be a Strake Jesuit student and to live the ideals of the Grad at Grad.
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As principal cellist, Josh carries responsibilities that extend beyond mastering his own instrument. He leads his section, collaborates closely with the orchestra director and fellow section leaders, and helps ensure that rehearsals and performances run smoothly. In many ways, the role mirrors that of an assistant conductor—guiding fellow musicians while helping shape the ensemble’s overall sound.
Josh’s dedication to music extends far beyond campus. He performs with the Houston Youth Symphony Orchestra, where he previously served as principal cellist, and studies chamber music at Houston’s Opus One program. During the summer, he continues to develop his craft at intensive music camps, including Brevard Music Center in North Carolina and Interlochen Arts Camp. His commitment to excellence recently led to a major accomplishment: placing third in the Texas All-State Orchestra competition.
Yet for Josh, music is about more than technical skill. It is also a way of connecting with others and expressing something deeper. Reflecting on the relationship between music and faith, he describes how performing, especially in liturgical settings, can become a form of worship.
“Music can really touch people and evoke emotions and experiences,” he explains. When he plays, he strives to connect emotionally with the music and communicate something meaningful to the audience. Whether performing in Mass or in a concert hall, he approaches each piece with a sense of purpose and devotion.
That sense of purpose requires extraordinary discipline. While music may appear effortless in performance, Josh emphasizes that the craft demands years of careful, structured practice. Rather than simply playing through difficult pieces, he breaks them down step by step—focusing first on rhythm and accuracy before gradually shaping phrasing, dynamics, and musical expression.
This methodical approach has influenced more than just his musical development. He notes that the same process —building understanding from small details into a larger whole—has also helped him approach academics with greater clarity and focus.
Despite his impressive achievements, Josh remains grounded in the collaborative spirit that defines the Strake Jesuit fine arts program. He credits much of his growth to the relationships he has formed with teachers and classmates.
“Instruction has to be personal,” he explains, “Everyone learns differently, and great teachers recognize that.” At Strake Jesuit, he says, the emphasis on relationships and mentorship reflects the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis— care for the individual person.
For younger students who may feel hesitant about pursuing music or the arts, Josh offers simple advice: just start. “You never know where music will take you,” he says. What began as an activity he initially approached reluctantly has grown into a passion that shapes his daily life and future aspirations. Whether he ultimately pursues music professionally or keeps it as a lifelong passion, Josh knows one thing for certain: the cello will remain an integral part of his life.
Through leadership, discipline, faith, and a spirit of collaboration, Joshua Segraves ’28 embodies what it means to be a Strake Jesuit student and to live the ideals of the Grad at Grad.
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