About a month ago, six orchestra students were chosen to take on the responsibility of representing Perkiomen Valley High School at the Montgomery County Honors String Orchestra Festival. They will be part of an ensemble of other talented musical students from Montgomery County, gathering for a night of great music and memories.
These six PV students- Hannah Powell (violin), Lea Rubenstein (violin), Mila Eberly (viola), Luke Haeberle (viola), Rory Gallo (cello), and Braeden Chomo (bass)- were chosen for their undeniable skill and talent. This melting pot of a concert is being held at Upper Merion High school on Friday, November 5th and is open to the public.
“This opportunity is a way to motivate and challenge some of my most advanced students,” Mr. Solomon, the orchestra teacher at PVHS, said.
The Montgomery County Honors String Orchestra Festival brings together some of the top orchestra students from eight different school districts in the Montgomery County area. This ensemble rehearses 5 times as a group, over the course of a month, before performing for an audience. The students also spend lots of time at home nailing down the music.
Not only is this experience exciting for those who get to witness and listen to the music, but it is also thrilling for those making the music.
“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to grow as a violinist, as I will be surrounded by skilled musicians that will push me to practice and focus even more,” one of the six selected students and a junior at Perkiomen Valley High School, Lea Rubenstein said.
As a form of motivation or just a memory that will last forever, these students get to be a part of something that is seemingly very influential and full of one of a kind opportunities.
“They are able to perform an advanced repertoire of music that we might not be able to play in a normal school setting. They also get the chance to be conducted by a professional conductor,” Mr. Solomon said.
Everything learned from this experience can even aid the students later in life.
“It’s a great opportunity to get a feel for what rehearsals may feel like beyond high school,” senior student, Hannah Powell said.
Fear of messing up won’t stop any of Perkiomen Valley’s six advanced orchestra students from having a fulfilling performance of music and fun. Stacked with so many rare and important opportunities, Montgomery County Honors String Orchestra Festival will remain with these musicians for more than just one night.