The Orchestra Winter Concert took place on December 5, 2017 in the auditorium. The theme of this year’s concert was Unwrapping The Spirit of the Season with the purpose of getting the community in the holiday spirit. Families, friends, and parents were eager to hear the festive music that this organization had to offer.

“I was really excited that we got the chance to stand in the audience section and perform for the finale. Before, we only played like on the sides so this was something new,” viola player Alec Francis said.

For the first time ever, all 140 orchestra students got the chance to play Christmas Time is Here while spread out in the crowd and on stage.

“We got our sheet music after our last concert about a month and a half ago,” Alec Francis said. “I felt like we were really prepared because we practiced our songs every day since the middle of October.”

In addition to learning and memorizing their sheet music during school days, the musicians also participate in after-school rehearsals every week.

“Everyone supports and helps each other out with their music during these sessions,” violin player Huda Yousif said. “The rehearsals got us ready for the concert this month.”

For this event, orchestra students had the option of wearing elf hats, red bow-ties, Santa hats, accessories, antlers, or Christmas jewelry. The kids created such a cheerful atmosphere which caused the people in the audience to get excited about the holidays coming up.

“The concert was very successful. My favorite song to play was March of the Nutcracker because it was exciting and nice to move to the beat of the song,” violin player Huda Yousif said.

Even though there were some errors that the students made with their playing, the orchestra is like a team.

“We have each others back, and even when we fail, as a whole, we can still create a sound that can touch people,” viola player Andrea Rosales said.

The event was a big hit that filled many people’s’ hearts with joy. It looks like the hard work and dedication that the kids contributed was worth it.

“A lot of people turned out to the event and were pleasantly surprised,” Huda Yousif said. “I felt like we did a great job.”