By Makanalani Yamanoha
[email protected]
A group of talent, skills and passion, MHS’ honors orchestra showcased the music of Benjamin Britten, Antonin Dvorak and Brian Balmages at the Central Districts Honors Orchestra Concert hosted at Moanalua High School on Feb. 15.
“Music is my passion and I have been doing violin for a very long time. Also with honors orchestra, I get to meet new people and to collaborate and play with them,” said Senior Erin Kim, “We were able to collaborate with Moanalua (High School). Just being able to collaborate with different schools and working with the clinicians is really fun and it helps me get better.”
From receiving the music in January, some parts were easy and some were harder than others. “There are certain sections of each song where we have to focus on. For example, one part we would need to work on tempo, another we would need to work on rhythm and we always need to practice tone,” said Senior Kenneth Imperial Jr., “We practiced (a) lot and played all the parts (of the music) alright. I think the concert went pretty well.”
The selections of the orchestra included “Boisterous Bourree,” “Allegretto Grazioso” and “Lyric Metal.” Of the three pieces, each had their own charm on the musicians. “There is this song we played called ‘Lyric Metal,’ it is kind of more like a more contemporary song based on life in high school. (The song) enjoyed a more hard-rock metal kind then lyrical and I liked that kind of genre,” said Kim.
Guest conductors are invited to multiple concerts a year to visit and teach at MHS. At this concert, Clinition Derrick Yamane from the Hawaiian Youth Symphony brought his own style to the students. “He was really experienced in the field, he is really funny, he is really passionate about music and you could tell by the way he explains his music. I really enjoyed him,” said Senior Lauren Kim. Fine Arts teacher Bryan Hirata added, “I cannot make any comparison, each conductor has their own strengths, each is skilled at what they do, and Yamane was no different.”
To students that have devoted their high school careers to music, it is not just about the concerts. The orchestra opens a door to new possibilities and friends. “It is like a family; we are really close, and it is fun.We are really dedicated which I enjoy about this group. We all work hard. We all share the same compassion and goals, it is very comfortable in there,” said Lauren Kim.
Currently, the orchestra students are preapring for the Spring Concert and Senior Graduation, which will be the final note of all concerts this year.
