Olympia has many fun and diverse programs for all students to have an opportunity to express themselves. In this article, we are specifically discussing the Orchestra Program. It is run by Mr. Brandon Bangle and has over a hundred students who participate. Many of the students who partake in Orchestra have established important traits that make it manageable for them to perform, play, and keep up with the beats. “Being in orchestra enables you to practice your cognitive thinking skills and multitasking skills,” junior Dylan Guevara Dominguez exclaimed. As these students learn to play and read music, they develop a new way of thinking and overall new skills.
Not only does playing an instrument enhance your thinking skills, but it also opens up social opportunities. “I have been in orchestra for three years and it has allowed me to make new friends and has made my overall high school experience more pleasurable,” junior Madilyn Rutroff stated. Finding something they are passionate about and utilizing that to create opportunities to enjoy at a young age and shape memories really adds value to the Orchestra Program.
Students get to express themselves through music and perform their hard work to an audience. Although that sounds exciting, there is no success without a pinch of doubt. Let’s take a look at how these students manage their nerves before the big performance. “The way I prepare for concerts and performances is by remembering to always have fun and not to rush,” senior Elizabeth Aguilar claimed. “I imagine that people aren’t really even looking at me and are just listening to the music, or I will just imagine that the audience isn’t there at all,” Dominguez added. These students deal with nerves and emotions just as anyone in their position would, but the way they have learned to control their emotions and continue playing despite mistakes emphasizes just how big of an impact the program can make on one’s skills and character.
Although orchestra is full of experienced talent, there is always room for some fresh faces in the program. “I recommend you do it, it is really fun, the people you meet are very kind, and Mr. Bangle is the best teacher who will motivate and encourage you to do your best,” Dominguez advised. “Try something new like orchestra! Creating new friends and finding a passion makes your high school experience so much better,” Rutroff rec
ommended.
As high school continues, our students are learning to express themselves, find their passions and develop skills for the adult world. Our orchestra program is a great platform for the future talent to take in all necessary skills and share their love for music with other like-minded students. If you want to learn new things and create unforgettable memories with those who share your passions, you should definitely consider joining orchestra next year.
