Daniela Lucas, Journalist
December 5, 2023
On November 18th, the Port Chester High Orchestra was invited to attend the White Plains Orchestra Festival. The day-long event would consist of performances from the Port Chester, Henry Hudson High School Orchestra and the White Plains High School Orchestra; one on one mentoring with each orchestra, and a performance by the St. Thomas Orchestra to end the day.
The day would start at 11:30, as the orchestra made their way over to the White Plains High School. There the students had a chance to unpack and rehearse before they headed down and performed. Port Chester performed first and played two songs titled Gabriella’s Calypso Holiday and Danza Espanola. Gabriella’s Calypso Holiday is a bubbly and fast paced song while on the other hand Danza Española is an intense and strong piece. Both songs demonstrated the students’ talent and versatility in styles. After their performances, the White Plains and Henry Hudson Orchestras would come up and perform their pieces. These performances by each orchestra would lead into the next activity of the day: one on one mentoring.
Each group was split up and had a chance to work one on one with featured clinicians. Port Chester specifically worked on Danza Española with their mentor. The orchestra worked on their pacing, and speeding up while not losing energy and intensity in the piece with their mentors. The Port Chester Orchestra was complimented on their overall energy and passion, as well as being praised for how well they played, especially considering that the program only began two years ago!
Finally the day would end with a performance by the St. Thomas Orchestra, featuring soloist Alyson Tupay. Overall the students had a wonderful time spending the day, appreciating the beauty and art of orchestra.