Centreville High School’s classical music orchestras excelled this spring in various competitions.
“It was great,” said student Denise Linn about the high school’s orchestras’ journey to an Atlanta competition March 28 to April 2.
All three of the school’s orchestras went to the Atlanta Fiesta-Val, where the school won the grand champion prize. To do this, not only did the school have to score higher than the other schools present, but two of the school’s three orchestras had to be given the highest possible quality rating.
WHILE THERE the teens had a good time visiting a national park, Six Flags amusement park and a Coca Cola museum.
Four of the program’s students have also recently received individual recognition. Stephen Chung, Yurina Otsuka, Amber Seneca and Shanna Linn were in Richmond April 7-9 to participate in an all-state orchestra concert. This orchestra was composed of about 80 of the best classical music students from across the state.
“It was very challenging,” Stephen said. Before arriving in Richmond, the all-state orchestra’s members had to learn Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide Overture” and Dimitri Shostakovich’s “Symphony Number 5.” This is difficult music, Stephen said.
Once there the students practiced as a group before performing.
Asked what kept them involved in the school’s classical program, the kids gave different answers.
“I really like being part of the group, working with others,” Denise said. Denise is the president of the orchestra program.
Classical music is very different from other music, Stephen said. It has a totally different “dimension” that attracts him, he continued.
The school’s orchestras are traditionally strong, said Cheryl Cooley, the orchestra’s director for the last 18 years. The school’s chorus and band are also excellent, she said.
The school’s orchestras will put on their final concert of the year at the school at 7:30 p.m., June 1. The concert is free.