A Window to Woodside’s Orchestra

Video Credit: Woodside’s Orchestra performing a section of “Carpe Diem”. Filmed by Maria McCavitt.

The Woodside Orchestra performs its Winter Concert in front of the Fox Theater.

Other stories in Arts & Entertainment

• Wildcats needed for APCS - May 9, 2013
• 2013 Art Contest - April 21, 2013
• February 28th, 2013: Art Boom - March 8, 2013
• Woodside's Next Rolling Stones:The Feedback - March 8, 2013
• A Night of Cinema: The 85th Annual Oscars - March 6, 2013

Other stories in Music

• Winners of the 2013 Woodside World Art Contest - May 21, 2013
• Woodside's Next Rolling Stones:The Feedback - March 8, 2013
• Epic Performances at Music's Biggest Night - March 6, 2013
• An Afternoon in the Quad: Woodside Art Boom - January 20, 2013
• The Rhythm of Your Heart in a Melodic Art - January 15, 2013

Other stories that might interest you...

• What the Music Program Planned Next
• Woodside’s Best Electronic Music
• Making More than Music in Audio Production
• From the Crowd to the Stage: A Musician Profile of Bassist, Shane Hunt-Dusse
• One Direction: The New Faces of Pop Music

Maria Fernanda McCavitt, Staff Writer, Spanish and World News Editor
January 29, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Music

To Woodside cellist Amber Rizo, class of 2015, “orchestra means a group of people that play their emotions together,” but what does the word “orchestra” mean to you? By definition, orchestra means “a large group of musicians who play together on various instruments.” To some, orchestra is just a group of people playing stringed instruments together, but to those who participate in it, orchestra means something much more.

When asked why she thought orchestra was so important, Rizo explained, “before [in the history of music], orchestra was all there was, there were no electric guitars or anything like that. Orchestra helps people remember what music was.” Many students see Rizo’s perspective and recognize orchestra as a window to the music of the past.

Not only does orchestra have a historical significance, it is also beneficial to those who practice it. Studies by researchers like Darby E. Southgate, MA, and Vincent Roscigno, Ph.D., of The Ohio State University have proven that students who play an instrument are more likely to do well in school. Also, these same students tend to use a larger portion of their brain than those who do not play an instrument.

The students in Orchestra play a variety of instruments, ranging from dainty violins to monstrous cellos. As Anne Wasserman, class of 2015, explains, “orchestra is a diverse, talented group of students who unite to represent Woodside.”

Students have different reasons for joining Woodside’s orchestra, whether because they played music for their previous school, or were inspired by their family members or favorite artists. However, all these students are connected by their genuine love and appreciation of music.

Upon entering the large room in the back of the PAC, you are greeted by the sight of chairs surrounded by music stands neatly arranged around a stool. The walls are lined with lockers, filled with seemingly countless instruments and covered in a variety of music posters. The high vaulted ceilings seem to bounce sounds back to you as the students warm up their stringed instruments. William Tolles, who teaches orchestra at Woodside explains, “orchestra takes longer to put together than band, or jazz. Stringed instruments have to be warmed up. They don’t just come out of the case ready to play.”

Below is a video of Woodside’s Orchestra performing a section of “Carpe Diem”

Orchestra allows Tolles’s students to express themselves in a unique and personal way . As David Rode, class of 2013, explains “I don’t really like expressing myself through talking, so music is a way that I can [express myself] without having to [speak].” Music offers a creative outlet for students who are less comfortable articulating themselves in other ways.

Some students see themselves having a future in music. Rode hopes to continue his musical career as a cellist, into college. While not all students will pursue a musical career, their fondness of music is sure to follow them throughout their life.

Students in orchestra practice playing different styles and techniques. They practice what they have learned using classical compositions. When asked what her favorite song was, Rizo replied, “The Cello Suite.” Students like Rizo see orchestra as a way to connect themselves to their favorite musicians and take pride in the instrument they play.

Orchestra students are given opportunities to play their music publicly in a variety of concerts. Orchestra members are showcased in both the Winter and Spring concerts. The Spring concert will be held in the PAC on May 10th at 7 p.m. Students also play outside of school during an array of community events.

To see more of Woodside’s Orchestra visit the WHS Music Boosters facebook page.

Tags: Carpe Diem, cello, concert, instruments, music, orchestra, PAC, performance, public performance, Spring Concert, strings, Tolles, WHS, WHS Music Boosters, Winter Concert, Woodside, Woodside Orchestra

 Email This Post        Print This Post