A standing ovation for an outstanding orchestra
By Harrison Balsdon,
HUB Correspondent–
On Friday May 31, the Davis High School Orchestra held its seasonal Finale Program in the Richard Brunelle Performance Hall. Commanded by veteran director Angelo Moreno, the DHS baroque, symphony, and chamber orchestras played in front of a crowd of approximately 200 persons.
The DHS Finale Program lasted two hours and was well received by the captivated audience as they listened to the splendor of trumpets, violins, clarinets and cellos.
“Yes we had a full house of supports from the community and beyond,” director Angelo Moreno said. Introducing the Finale Program was the Master of Ceremonies, Carol Mathisen, who after a few words left the stage to be replaced by the renowned trumpet duo of William Ebeler and Connor Lee-Smith. Their superb serenade greeted the evening.
The concert was held in celebration for the members of the graduating Class of 2013. Recognized on the night of the Finale Program for their outstanding musical achievements, they were respectfully given the stage first. At intermission, the seniors who displayed exceptional abilities were officially recognized before the crowd under a banner which projected a slide show in their honor.
The chamber, baroque, and symphony orchestras that played Friday night have throughout the year participated in prestigious concerts throughout the school year.
“All three ensembles – chamber, baroque, and symphony – performed in the Winter Concert and in the 17th annual Wennberg Festival in the Mondavi Center. As part of their Southern California trip, they earned top ratings at the Music in the Parks competition in Disneyland. The symphony performed Peter and the Wolf at five outreach concerts for elementary students in February, and in May they were invited by the Mondavi Center to join Lara Downes’s family concert where they performed Carnival of the Animals and Gertrude McFuzz in Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center.” Moreno said.
The students were equally excited for concerts and competitions throughout the year, as part of the class curriculum. At Music in the Park located at Disneyland in Anaheim, the ensembles earned top rankings amongst high schools in the state. “The So-Cal trip was extremely fun. We visited collegiate bands who are ranked nationally. That was a good experience,” sophomore Brian Jonhnstone said. Johnstone traveled to Southern California with the orchestra, making acquaintances with collegiate instrumentalists.
The Finale Program marked the end of another year for all three ensembles that constitute the body of the DHS orchestra program. “I am incredibly proud, each orchestra did an excellent job working together as a team to meet every goal I set before them.” Moreno said.
