Orchestra Updates

Orchestra is continuing to be impressive this year and is taking on previous opportunities that were not able to occur during a year of COVID. In this article, Aniko provides updates on what is happening with the GPHS Orchestra.

Orchestra Festival

By Aniko LaFrance-Hernandez

Hello, readers of The Scroll. I have some exciting news to share! The GPHS Orchestra will finally be able to host its festival this March. Grants Pass High School will be running two festivals happening at the same time. They will be inviting orchestras from Medford, Ashland, Bend, and Klamath Falls. The festival will be open, giving many orchestras the opportunity to participate. The GPHS string, chamber and concert orchestras will all be performing for three judges, who will give comments and ratings. A workshop with the judges will be available, as well.

The dates for this event are Mar. 15, 2022 for the high school festival and Mar. 16, 2022 for the Middle School Festival.

GPHS students have not had the chance to hold the festival over the past couple of years, simply because COVID has been killing our vibe. However, we are coming back better than ever. GPHS students will not only help with check-in tables and stage crew, but they also get to host visiting groups and have the opportunity to watch all of the other groups perform their pieces. We will also be able to help with the middle school when it is their turn to play.

*Friendly note that masks are required for this event!

Pieces Being Performed Include….

Concert Orchestra - "Music of the Night", "Two Scenes from the Hollow", and "Serenade for Strings"

String Orchestra - "Figaro March", "Music of the Night", and "Pirates Legend"

Chamber Orchestra - "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: 1^st Movement", :Bachianas Brazillaires Aria", and "Sky Horse"

Orchestra Student Interviews

How do you feel about this event coming back?

Adam Jenson (Student): "I'm really excited for the orchestra festival. It's been a long time since we've had one fully in person here at GPHS, so it'll be good to get back on stage. I'm most looking forward to performing our Chamber Orchestra repertoire and getting another chance to get feedback before hopefully moving on towards state."

Molly Crawford (Student): "I think that it will be an exciting environment, because we haven’t had a festival like this in awhile. I’m looking forward to playing for the judges and getting some good feedback, while also getting to see and meeting people from other schools. I’ve only participated in one festival, so I’m very excited for it."

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