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On Nov. 7, our own Orchestra visited Benaroya Hall to see Seattle Symphony’s performance of Dvorak’s 9th Symphony and the Tchaikovsky violin concerto featuring soloist Simone Lamsma.
Tchaikovsky’s sole violin concerto lasted around 35 minutes before an intermission into Dvorak’s four-movement composition.
Orchestra conductor Andrew Kam frequently speaks on the importance of trips like this one for enrichment, study, and bonding amongst orchestra members.
“Orchestra trips provide students with real-world performance experiences that build confidence and deepen their musical skills beyond the classroom. They foster teamwork, exposure, and lasting memories that strengthen both personal growth and the sense of community within the ensemble,” said Kam.
In fact, Orchestra has several trips like this one planned. Those admitted into WMEA’s All-State Orchestra will travel out to Yakima to represent BHS in February. In March, Chamber Orchestra will fly out to San Francisco to compete in the National Orchestra Festival against selected high school orchestras across the nation, including our rival school Interlake.
But trips like these don’t come cheap. Unlike organizations like Bellevue Football, the vast majority of funding doesn’t come from the school or ASB. In fact, most of Orchestra’s operating budget is raised by students and parent volunteers through events like concerts and fundraisers. Expenses include new instruments, scholarships for students, venue rentals, masterclasses with professional musicians, and more.
If you have a friend in Orchestra or just want to hear some great music, a great way to support your fellow Wolverines is on Dec. 12 for their Winter Concert. And if you’re craving some baked goods, check out the bake sale in the PAC that day!
