The HHS music department showcased the work of its instrumental ensembles during the Winter Instrumental Concert on Dec. 11, featuring performances by the string orchestra, concert band and full orchestra

The string orchestra performed “Somewhere in My Memory”, “El Toro” and “Swan Lake”, while the concert band played “Into the Storm” and “Appalachian Snowfall.” The full orchestra finished off the concert by playing “Jupiter-Bringer of Jollity” from The Planets, “Blue Skies”, “Carol of the Bells” and “The Peer Gynt Suite.”

Sophomore Terri White, a first violinist who has played the violin for six years, said Swan Lake was his favorite piece because of its dramatic style. He also noted that some selections felt less challenging. “I like the harder songs,” White said.

Sophomore Grant Stortz, who performed a solo during “El Toro”, said the experience was both exciting and rewarding. “It wasn’t super challenging, but it was fun to have the spotlight,” Stortz said, adding that he felt he played well.

Band director Ms. Socha said the winter concert is intended to highlight the progress of graded music classes over the semester. “Absolutely, they played very well,” she said. “Musicians are the biggest critics of [themselves], and they improved a lot over the course of the semester.”

Orchestra director Mrs. Rossomando said the pieces were selected to match each ensemble’s strengths; the songs for the full orchestra had many tempo changes, and songs for the string orchestra emphasized dynamics, which is the variation of loudness and softness. Rossomando highlighted particularly both orchestras’ ability to work together as a group. “Listening, following and working as a group are things they do very well,” she said.

Upcoming performances include the Symposium of Sound, hosted by the Tri-M Music Honor Society, as well as a chorus and jazz concert on Jan 15.