The sounds of stringed instruments fill HR hallways as orchestra gets prepared for their next performance. On Nov. 22, chamber orchestra will be playing at the Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver. This group will be the lobby entertainment before the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, a Colorado Symphony Orchestra (CSO) event.
There is no cost to watch the school’s chamber orchestra, but the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto afterwards does require a ticket ranging anywhere from $15 to $89. Fiana Li, senior and principal cellist, said, “I’m looking forward to seeing the CSO after our performance. We get free tickets to listen to them, so that’s a big plus.” This way the orchestra gets rewarded for their concert.
Orchestra was given this chance to play at the Boettcher Hall through the help of their teacher, Rebecca Jonas, director of orchestras. Jonas said, “I usually like to take groups to the Colorado Symphony, so I contacted the lady I buy those tickets from and asked her if she had any contacts.” Through networking, Jonas was able to get in touch with those running the event and secure HR the chance to perform.
Jonas set this up with specific learning experiences in mind for her students. Jonas said, “It’s a way for them to gain visibility for all the amazing work they are doing and to showcase the HR performing arts department. It will help them build confidence while also spreading music.”
Before the chamber orchestra can “spread music” though, they have to figure out what music they will actually play. Li said, “This opportunity was brought upon us recently, so we haven’t been preparing for long, but we always have some easy music that we can sight read to play for situations like this.” They started practicing their music in class on Oct. 28.
As their performance gets closer, reality sets in that these students will be performing in the same building as a “critically-acclaimed orchestra”, according to the Colorado Symphony. Skyla Birdwell, junior and violinist, said, “I’m looking forward to knowing I got to play at Boettcher Hall! This is a very cool experience and all of us are super excited!”
Taylor Means, Editor in Chief
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