Honor Chamber Strings plays at the preparatory recital on Nov. 11. The group has played at many school functions before and at the orchestra concerts. “(The piece they are playing for the recital) is by far the hardest piece they have played in several years,” Kang said.
By ANEESA CONINE-NAKANO – Staff Writer
Clarke Central High School orchestra students will perform at a recital on Nov. 11 which will be held without the usual solo and ensemble festival following.
In the past several years Clarke Central High School orchestra students have had the chance to form ensembles and perform solos at the annual district solo and ensemble festival. This year, the district was split to make the size even. However, due to the change there will be no actual evaluation.
“Since our district split off into a new district, we were not able to organize the Fall festival this year but we will definitely have it ready for next year,” CCHS orchestra director Eunice Kang said.
Despite no festival, the usual preparation recital will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 85 E Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601 on Nov. 11. Students will be able to perform solos and ensembles in front of other orchestra students, parents and friends.
“(The recital) is called the preparatory recital so students have the chance to perform before (the would usually) go to the festival,” Kang said.
The advanced after-school orchestra, Honor Chamber Strings, will play a piece at the recital this year. This gives Honors Chambers Strings the chance to perform for the first time this year.
“(The students) have performed for UGA College of Engineering graduation last year. This year I am hoping they will perform for the Christmas Tours at the Governor’s Mansion and that would be in December,” Kang said.
Junior cellist Florence White says the Honor Chamber Strings group is a way to optimize students’ playing and provides a different kind of ensemble groups.
“It is more of an opportunity to play different types of music. I really like playing in ensemble and quartet groups,” White said.
In the future, Kang wants the orchestra to grow and improve by musicians working hard after school and in their own time.
“I think (the group) is doing a really great job. (The piece they are playing for the recital) is by far the hardest piece they have played in several years and I am very pleased with their progress. (They will progress) with consistent practice every week but mainly by practicing at home,” Kang said.
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