As with almost all aspects of life, the WHS orchestra program has been strongly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though students were unable to have a standard orchestra experience last year, the Oct. 13 concert serves as a positive return to normalcy. 

“I think that [COVID-19 related complications in the 20-21 school year] really pushed everyone to want to work hard this year so that we can try to gain back that experience that we missed last year,” says Senior Ella Scott. 

Concerts provide students with opportunities to demonstrate talent, creativity, and effort put into learning music. 

“It’s really cool to display something that we’ve put a lot of effort and work into for months,” explains Senior Molly Schaedler. 

Additionally, concerts help to strengthen a strong sense of community within the orchestra, keeping the program strong. 

“The people are all just amazing people and so we all try to work together as a team really well to do something that we all enjoy,” says Scott. “The positivity of doing something you enjoy, but being with people who are also working for the same thing is really rewarding.” 

Through concert preparation and everyday playing, students gain more creative insight into the world around them. 

“I like the ability to think in a different way,” says Schaedler. “I think in school you kind of have to get the same pattern of thought, it’s very academic but with music, it’s a completely different thing but it’s still very challenging.” 

Playing an instrument requires dedication and effort, which ultimately makes the experience more rewarding.  

“You’ve got to really keep working and practicing to keep up,” notes Junior Lydia Bush. “It just takes your individual effort to make it good.” 

With individual effort comes time, which can also be difficult to come by.

 “Finding time in the day to practice and to play…that’s what’s challenging,” explains Schaedler. 

Despite challenges students face, Orchestra remains a highlight of their day.

 “The people are really fun to be around, the songs are fun to play,” says Bush. “It’s just a very inviting and fun atmosphere to be in.”