On February 1 and 2, Poly students performed in the All District side by side concert. The concert consisted of an orchestra that was half high school musicians and half of the Long Beach Symphony.
The event is a great opportunity for the high school musicians to learn from the best of the best. Professional studio musician Carole Castillo said, “ I wish they had this event when I was your age.” The high schoolers who had the privilege of attending the event got a lot from it. Junior viola player, Jordan Sutter puts it best: “There’s this awesome sort of energy here, kinda like listening to live music except we get to be a part of it.”
The professional musicians at the event make sure the atmosphere is comfortable for the high schoolers. “All the regular people help and support the high schoolers, so it’s not an intimidating opportunity,” said professional trombonist Andrew Malloy.
The side-by-side orchestra played for elementary school kids and encouraged them to start learning an instrument and continue practicing their instruments. The kids were so excited to listen to classical music, they even sung along with the First Movement of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.
The band’s set consisted of three patriotic songs. It might be because the U.S. is currently being lead by an orange, but there’s something refreshing about good old American Propaganda.
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