By Ainsley Green, Staff Writer
On Sept. 26, the Sunderman Conservatory of Music began a new tradition for the first Symphony Orchestra concert of the semester. Under the guidance of the Director of Orchestral Activities Dr. Cesar Leal and other members of the Conservatory faculty, approximately 70 high school students from nearby high schools came to Gettysburg College for an entire day of string workshops alongside college students.
Throughout the day, these high school students from Gettysburg Area High School, Central York High School, Dallastown High School and Cedar Cliff High School got to experience what a music student at the Conservatory may get to experience daily, from participating in masterclasses to rehearsing for the concert that very same evening. Members of the Symphony Orchestra created a welcoming environment for the guests and took time out of their busy schedules to make the program possible.
The ensemble comprised so many musicians that the Majestic stage was completely full, creating a comprehensive ensemble. The pieces played in the concert included “Gymnopedies, I. Lent et douloureux” by Erik Satie, “Holberg Suite, Op. 40” by Edvard Grieg, “Battle” by Soon Lee Newbold, “Air on the G String, BWV 1068” by Johann Sebastian Bach and “Milonga del Angel” and “Libertango” both by Astor Piazzolla.
Each piece was introduced by a member of the Symphony Orchestra along with a high school student, and they took turns passing the microphone. The college student asked the high school student questions about their experience that day, generating many answers from many different students.
String Day had a large audience of members of the College community as well as the greater Gettysburg community. The Conservatory hopes to keep this tradition a part of their concert season for years to come.
