Shellman is currently principal second violin with The Florida Orchestra. She joined the ensemble as a section violinist in 2002. She has appeared as a soloist on the TFO Masterworks series performing Michael Abel’s Delights and Dances (2022), Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor (2021), Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor (2020), Anna Clyne’s The Seamstress (2019), Thomas Ades’ Violin Concerto “Concentric Paths” (2011). She also has been featured on TFO Morning Matinees series programs performing Autumn, Winter and Spring from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D minor.

During the summers, Sarah performs as principal second violin of the Bellingham Festival of Music (Bellingham, Wash.) and as a member of the first violin section at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music (Santa Cruz, Calif.). She is an advocate for the performance of works by living composers as well as for equity of the underrepresented in classical music.

Sarah graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music with a bachelor’s degree in music (violin performance and musicology) and the University of Houston with a master’s degree in music (violin performance). While living in Houston, she played with the Houston Grand Opera, Ars Lyrica, Houston Ballet, and as a freelance musician.

When not involved with musical endeavors, Sarah is known to bake obsessively and spend quiet time recharging with her family of eight rescue cats and husband, Greg.