On April 29, the State High Orchestras performed their Spring Concert. They gave ode to graduating seniors, along with performances from ninth grade, Concert Strings, Advanced Strings, Chamber, and Symphony Orchestras, led by Orchestra Director Emma Van Allen and student teacher Julie Dzikowski.
The concert began with the Ninth Grade Orchestra, as they played “Arlington Sketches” by Elliot Del Borgo and “City of Steel” by Doug Spata, a dramatic interpretation of Pittsburgh’s steel production in the late 19th century.
Following ninth grade, Concert Strings performed “Fiddler’s Fancy: Wisteria Waltz,” a whimsical, fantasy-like piece, composed by Richard Meyer, and “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major,” composed by J.S. Bach, arr: Merle J. Issac.
Chamber Orchestra performed on the oboe and “Violin G minor Concerto” by J.S. Bach, while continuing the tradition of seniors playing solos, with Rishi Bhattacharyya playing oboe, Evan Zhang on lead violin, and Stephen Lee playing the harpsichord. Helen Kifer also performed a lead role during “Suite for Strings, I Have A Bonnet Trimmed With Blue,” by John Rutter. They finished with the high-tempo song, “Dashing Away,” also by John Rutter.
Symphony Orchestra came out with a bang with “Symphony No. 9 The New World,” composed by Antonín Dvořák, with guest musicians like Jessica Rotthoff on bassoon, Mark Morley and Jordan Wood on horns, and Paul Leskowicz as conductor.
The spring concert is a uniquely special night, especially for seniors, as they are honored for their commitment to the program. The seniors, along with Chamber Orchestra, performed “Capriol Suite,” “Pavane,” and “Moon River, with Jingyang Wan on violin and Sophie Widga playing piano. While playing, a slideshow with all the seniors’ photos and future plans went on in the background.
The finale consisted of “Libertango” by Astor Piazzolla, played by Concert Strings, Chamber, Advanced, and Symphony Orchestra, with Jacob Heller playing piano. It was followed by the Korean folk song “Ahrirang,” an extremely beloved song in Korea, widely considered the unofficial anthem. Gideon Elliot, Kifer and Zhang were the leads.
The last song included all orchestras as they played a mash of Journey’s Greatest Hits: “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Anyway You Want It,” by Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon, and Steve Perry, and arranged by Victor López.
The audience consisted mostly of family members and friends of the musicians. One audience member, Vivian Deans, a sophomore at State High, shares the reason why she went to the concert: “To see a couple of my friends.” She said her favorite song performed was, “Probably the tango one [Libertango].”
The Spring Concert is an important event, specifically for seniors, as it is the last spring concert of their high school career. Senior and State High Orchestra President Sydney Barshinger has played the viola for nine years.
“It’s a fun time. It gives everybody a community. If you’re going through a rough patch, the ability to play music, it just brightens everybody’s day,” Barshinger said.
Van Allen has been directing at State High for two years, yet has been teaching music at the elementary schools for six years. One of her jobs, in addition to teaching orchestra students, is collaborating with students to ensure a successful concert, including song choices.
“I have student input as well, so sometimes they’ll choose between a couple of songs, and kind of play through them, see how they feel about them. A lot of them, I do choose, so that I’m, like, exposing them to a wide variety of music,” Van Allen said.
The orchestras put on various concerts each year, including winter and spring concerts. To fund the music programs at State High, State College Music Boosters works with various individuals to support them. Those interested can learn more about music boosters on social media or donate at Centre Gives: Music Boosters.
