For the first time this school year, colorful orchestra t-shirts will fill the halls on Wednesday as a sign of orchestra’s fall concert at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. The first concert of the year will feature two pieces from each orchestra as well as a live auction, where the highest bidder will be able to conduct “Sleigh Ride” at the Winter Extravaganza.
“This has been a really great year of growth in the program,” orchestra director Julie Blackstock said. “The students have worked so hard and really have blossomed musically and technically since the beginning of the year. It’s going to be great, and I am truly really, really excited about it!”
The program has grown, adding over 30 students and a sixth orchestra this year. Opportunities, such as sectionals and meeting a piece’s composer through a zoom call, have helped students prepare for the concert and have been critical learning experiences for students like senior Madeline Sanders.
“In a typical rehearsal, we will hit important spots like transitions and technically difficult moments,” Sanders said. “Sometimes we will have sectionals in which each section breaks off and practices what they specifically need to work on.”
For students like senior and head Librarian Saanvi Patel, after four years, her final fall concert is one to cherish.
“Compared to previous years, I feel more confident in our pieces due to our rehearsals,” Patel said. “This year, we have been working really hard to work on the little details of the piece since it can make a big difference. The first concert of the year is always nerve-wracking, but because this is my senior year, I’m excited to play at the fall concert and show our audience what we have been working on for the last couple of weeks.”
In addition to the new orchestra, the concert may look different this year as orchestra’s new tech team will present videos in between groups that provide a look into the program as well as students’ insights into pieces.
“The first concert is always a little chaotic—it’s the first time for so many students,” Blackstock said. “But it’s enjoyable. At the fall concert each year, we have a live auction for the opportunity to conduct Sleigh Ride at the winter concert. This year we’re bringing back the Winter Extravaganza, so the winner of the auction will get to conduct the full orchestra on one of those nights.”
Concerts are a chance for orchestras to make music together and share that love of music with the audience.
“I am actually really excited about it,” Blackstock said. “I feel like the groups are really well-prepared. My favorite thing about concerts is making music with the students on stage. I love it when they look at me and smile back or communicate with me through their watching.”
