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Seyoung Park, 16, plays Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 5 with his classmates during an orchestra class Tuesday at Southwest High in El Centro. (JOSELITO VILLERO PHOTO / November 7, 2012) |
The Southwest High School Chamber Orchestra is hard at work following its recent success at a festival at Northern Arizona University.
The 25-member orchestra brought home three superior ratings and hopes to continue excelling in music.
“Superior is the highest rating you can receive,” said 16-year-old junior Lily Heredia, orchestra president. “So the fact we were able to get superior on all of our pieces was very exciting.”
In recognition for its accomplishment, the orchestra was selected to perform in an evening concert that featured the NAU Symphony Orchestra and renowned violinist Elena Urioste.
“Overall it was a really great experience,” Lily said. “Playing on the stage and being able to perform was a good feeling.”
Fellow violinist Gaby Rodriguez said she was happy when she learned the orchestra’s ratings.
“It just means that all of our hard work paid off,” said Gaby, a 17-year-old senior. “We all try to practice outside of class and it showed.”
Orchestra Director Matthew Busse said he was happy to see his students perform so well at the festival.
“We try to maintain a high standard and the students know that,” said Busse. “Ultimately, they have to want to be good musicians and be willing to work hard.”
The orchestra is fundraising and working toward another festival in Chicago it hopes to attend next year.
On Saturday, the orchestra will be hosting an orchestra camp for students ages 5 and above.
“We just ask that students bring their own instruments,” said Busse. “Eventually we hope to be able to provide instruments.”
For more information on the orchestra camp contact Busse at mbusse@cuhsd.net
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
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