The music department can finally heave a sigh of relief as soon as April is here.
The entire month of March was filled with concerts and competitions such as the California Music Ensemble Association for all departments, after preparing the pieces since January.
In the week of March 15, Symphonic Bands and Orchestras held concerts on Thursday and Friday, respectively. The Wind Ensemble played a complicated yet fun piece by a contemporary composer, Mazlanka.
“We played one of his pieces during the summer and everyone seemed to like it,” said junior flutist Regina Lee. “I think his pieces are very unique and a good addition to our concert program.”
Along with a ’05 Alum Alex Shiazaki, the Saratoga Symphonic Orchestra will be playing the third movement of the Brahms Concerto in D Major. Shiazaki, now studying at Julliard, is heading for a career as a professional musician in the near future.
“Alex played really well even in the first rehearsal we had,” said senior Sandy Young. “He’s easy to follow and it’s fun to hear him play.”
In addition, there was a special appearance of the California Philharmonic Youth Orchestra that night, who also performed on the McAfee stage. They played two pieces, the “William Tell Overture” by Rossini and “Lenore Overture No. 3” by Beethoven.
“It’s always a good chance for the our orchestra to meet other groups that are about the same level,” said Boitz. “We can learn by being audience members as well.”
On March 20, the music department attended the CMEA Solo/ Ensemble competition at SJSU, where many musicians signed up to perform for judges. These accomplishments have usually have been sources of encouragement for many students.
“Last time I got a superior rank on my performance, and I was really surprised to receive it,” said Lee.
The music department then competed in the CMEA Large Group festival that took place on March 26-27. Saratoga High School hosted the event this year, with schools from all over the Bay Area in attendance.
“We have always been gracious hosts and we hope to keep up the same level of kindness when the other students arrive,” said director Michael Boitz. “We want them to feel welcome and to play their best at CMEA.”
All the students’ hard work will be soon reward with the upcoming April Mini-Tour from April 8-11. The Band, Choir and String Orchestras will be traveling to Los Angeles, where they will be able to compete in Fullerton College and the Heritage Forum as well as relax at Disneyland.
“March is pretty stressful and everyone gets really worn out from all the concerts,” said Lee. “But the thought of the Mini-Tour makes everyone play their best. I really can’t wait until April is here.”