PHOTOGALLERY: MPSH’s Band and Orchestra Fall Concert

Sofia Strohmeier and Ella Wehmeyer

November 12, 2023

On Wednesday, Nov. 7, the band and orchestra joined forces to play at the fifth annual Fall Concert, showcasing the music department’s introductory performance. “[This concert] generally is just to get their feet wet. It’s their first concert of the year. So for some students, it’s the first concert they’ve ever had, if they’ve come from middle school, they have performed before, but for others, it’s kind of just a preview of ‘all right, this is what it’s like to perform,’” Orchestra Director and teacher Angela Lin said. The Fall Concert previews the musical talent of the year to come while hosting a festive event for students and staff to attend.

Preparing for the Fall Concert consists of daily practices, both in class and at home, to ensure musicians perfect their pieces. Despite having separate practice rooms, the orchestra and band have scheduled joint practices to run through the songs smoothly. “Since [orchestra] is a class, every class for the whole two hours we go through each piece. And then sometimes I have to work on it by myself. So I go home I’d say maybe at least two times a week and just practice on my own for about an hour,” senior violinist and concertmaster Daniela Martinez said. Since the beginning of the year, students from all levels practice their instruments and learn new rhythms and sounds.

As the inaugural show, the Fall Concert boosts morale for both new and returning musicians, creating anticipation for the remainder of the year’s music demonstrations. For Lin, seeing her orchestra students in action provides a feeling of fulfillment. “I think for all of our concerts, it’s a nice time for students to showcase what they’ve practiced. And it’s nice to see when they’re onstage and performing, especially last night, I could see some of them were just very happy to be able to be there and be able to play what they have been practicing because some of them have been struggling with music, but they were able to pull it off,” Lin said.

Various music students have practiced music from a young age, continuing their passion since elementary school. Martinez has played violin for nine years and now serves as the orchestra’s lead violinist. “I was eight years old and there was someone that we knew that [was] playing the violin and she offered to give me lessons. So, I tried it and I’ve been playing ever since,” Martinez said. Other musicians picked up the hobby from familial exposure. “I play the tenor saxophone. I joined band because my whole family is into music,” junior and saxophonist Beltran Jimenez said.

Music serves as a way of making personal connections and allows students to form bonds with other students sharing their admiration for playing an instrument. “[Being part of the orchestra] gives you a chance to find people who like something you do. So yeah, there are people who I met in orchestra who are my great friends,” sophomore and violist Sabrina Donet said. Many students continue their music endeavors throughout high school, growing more accustomed to their role as they learn and grow as musicians. “As a freshman, I was more nervous. I didn’t know what to expect or anything, but this year I feel like I enjoyed it more,” Donet said.

While playing an instrument, musicians maintain the utmost concentration and keep their minds in touch with the notes and tempo of the song. “When I play, I just have to think ‘Okay, this is coming up next [so] remember you have to [play] quiet.’ You have to be louder and then we have the fingerings [showing] how to play it. So I have to read it and then just have to be very focused because if I start thinking about something else, I start messing up, so I just start thinking about [what is] coming up,” Martinez said. Yet, while maintaining focus is key, Martinez believes playing her instrument is a way of relieving stress. “I just like the music, all the sounds in general, and if I need to get my mind off of something I could just play it and there’s something about music,” Martinez said.

This year’s Fall Concert was the first to take place in the auditorium, truly capturing an ambiance that made the music illuminate the room and create an enjoyable environment. “I thought it was really good. The music was good, it was nice to watch. Everyone was really [supportive] like all the parents were clapping, everyone was screaming out names,” senior and attendee Katerina Diaz said. This long-lasting musical tradition will remain a staple for years to come, bringing band, orchestra and the rest of the student body together.

About the Contributors

Sofia Strohmeier, Online Editor-in-Chief

Sofia Strohmeier is a senior and the Online Editor-in-Chief. This is her second year on staff, and she looks to encourage staffers to write a variety of stories and promote The Panther to the community. Aside from newspaper, Strohmeier enjoys taking workout classes at Lifetime, traveling and going on walks with her dog, Charlie.

Ella Wehmeyer, Multimedia Photo Editor

Ella Wehmeyer is a senior and Multimedia Photo Editor. This is her first year on staff, and she looks forward to developing her writing style and expanding her photography portfolio. Aside from newspaper, Wehmeyer enjoys reading, playing bass and listening to music.

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