The West High Orchestras held their spring concert in the evening of May 23 in the Arganbright Auditorium, marking the last performance of the year. The concert started off with Concert Strings and Philharmonic Strings combined performing “Dublin” by Bob Phillips, “To the Ocean” by Yukiko Nishimura, “Wired” by Lauren Berfofsky and “Westridge Overture” by Richard Meyer.
Then, Symphony Strings performed “Adventure on Bainbridge Island” by Alan Lee Silva and “Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus” by Ralph Vaugh Williams. Before their last piece, the orchestras celebrated their seniors with a slideshow presentation of the Senior Class of 2024 and awards.
The Leadership Award recognizes exemplary leadership that has a significant and positive impact on the orchestra and the two winners were Xion Owens-Holst ’24 and Carolina Ephraim ’24. Additionally, the Director’s Award is a national award given by the director to a senior with outstanding attitude and playing ability and the winner was Tessera Rippentrop ’24. Finally, the National School Orchestra Award recognizes excellence in playing and contributions to the ensemble. It’s a national award that’s voted by the senior class and the winner was Yuning Shao ’24.
Senior Andrew Dong then gave a heartwarming senior speech, and the seniors collectively gave a senior gift to Welch that they have prepared over the past weeks. Then they walked up to the podium, one by one, to share a favorite orchestra memory over the past few years.
To end the night, the combined orchestra — consisting of Symphony Strings and the wind ensemble — performed “Swan Lake Suite” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchiakovsky. No.1 Moderato was conducted by band director Ryan Middleton while No. 2 Valse was conducted by orchestra director Jon Welch. After the program, an informal graduation reception was held in the auditorium lobby where various types of cookies were served.
With this being their last West High orchestra concert, seniors reflect on their experiences and orchestra journeys at West.
“I felt that the orchestra played well despite some hiccups regarding lighting and stuff. It was nice to be part of the senior recognition program as well,” Dong said.
Ephraim also notes the remarkable performance.
“I thought last night’s concert was fantastic. I had so much fun; it was so good. The music so good. It all connected and the moment was mind-blowing,” Ephraim said.
Despite the many positive comments about the performance, Kiera Holtkamp ’24 feels bittersweet about leaving West the following week.
“[I’m gonna miss] everything. I’m not doing orchestra in college, so it’s just really sad for me to see it all go because orchestra meant a lot to me over the years,” Holtkamp said. “It’s just been fun the whole time.”
