As a grandmother, I go to a lot of concerts -- elementary, middle, and high school band, orchestra, and chorus concerts as well as other types of shows that my grandkids are performing in. Some of the groups are well prepared and give fine performances. Others are a bit painful, but I go to support them anyway.
This past weekend, I got to go to a very well-prepared concert. SOGO (Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia) presents exciting concerts with their three tiers of student players. My grandchildren's local schools do not offer orchestra, but after some hunting they found and joined SOGO. (The High Schooler plays viola and the Middle Schooler plays Bass Viol.)
This past weekend, I got to go to a very well-prepared concert. SOGO (Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia) presents exciting concerts with their three tiers of student players. My grandchildren's local schools do not offer orchestra, but after some hunting they found and joined SOGO. (The High Schooler plays viola and the Middle Schooler plays Bass Viol.)
The Conservatory level for more advanced students played beautifully. The Academy level also played well, very well for young teen agers. The Debut level was made up of beginners mostly in elementary school and did fine, too.
Each level of orchestra has professional artists that play along within each section and help the students learn their instruments and how to play better. What a difference to have the exemplar playing in amongst the students! That helps make the sound so cohesive. Some of these professional artists are also private teachers for the students or trade off conducting rehearsals and concerts.
The pieces chosen to be played were varied and selected from impressive repertoire. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the concert, including a re-voicing of Gershwin's "An American in Paris" done by the 17 members of the professional artists. So incredible to see these few instrumentalists cover for an entire orchestra!
I am so happy that my violist and bassist grandchildren get the opportunity to play with such a great group!
The pieces chosen to be played were varied and selected from impressive repertoire. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the concert, including a re-voicing of Gershwin's "An American in Paris" done by the 17 members of the professional artists. So incredible to see these few instrumentalists cover for an entire orchestra!
I am so happy that my violist and bassist grandchildren get the opportunity to play with such a great group!
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