Orchestra

Mary Kate Eckles
September 24, 2009
Filed under News

Since the start of the year, the combined sixth hour Concert Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra classes have been working toward the “Grand Opening” concert Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.

“The first concert of the year is an introduction to performing for freshman,” sophomore violinist Callan Hudson said.

But even returning musicians get nerves.

“I’m excited,” Hudson said, “but a bit worried, because the concert is going to be different, because we’re doing ensembles instead of a full orchestra.”

The change to smaller groups in the “Grand Opening” concert are aimed to help students work on not just knowing how to play music but knowing how to perform music.

“Splitting up into ensembles will improve student listening, independence and confidence and will keep kids from hiding in the back,” Dudley said.

The changes to are coming about this year because “we have a larger class, with a wide range of abilities,” Dudley said.

Ensembles will let the beginning students learn at their own pace, while allowing more advanced students to perform more challenging music. There are going to be eight quartets and several other small groups.

Orchestra concerts are used to raise money for the class. They perform four concerts a year and they’re always on Thursday. In this particular concert they will be performing a classical series.

“It’s really fun,” Hudson said. “I love orchestra.”