by Miriam F.

7. Performing in concerts and competitions can be exciting and rewarding.
Performing in concerts can always be a little nerve-racking, but for Alamo Heights orchestra students, it is also tons of fun. “Just the applause and how everyone is happy for you and proud of you. That’s very rewarding,” said Harper Meabon, an eighth-grade Alamo Heights orchestra student.

6. Orchestra teaches students to work together and as a team.
Working as a team or group is essential to learning and growing, especially in orchestra. “It can help to hear what the other parts of the song sound like,” said Savannah Sharples, an Alamo Heights eighth-grade orchestra student.

5. Students enjoy mastering an instrument.
Learning to play an instrument takes a lot of practice and hard work, and orchestra is no exception. “In my free time, I’ll play my instrument a lot as a hobby,” stated Anna Sangster, an eighth-grade orchestra student.

4. Students build lasting friendships and feel a sense of belonging.
Making friends is an important part of being in extracurricular activities. One student summed it up perfectly: “Just being in the program, you have a lot of opportunities to make friends,” said Savannah. One example in orchestra is stand partners. “Being stand partners can really encourage you to talk to someone,” added Harper.

3. Learning complex music and improving techniques provide a fun challenge that keeps students engaged.
It’s always good to have a healthy challenge, and orchestra definitely provides one. “Playing complex music is hard and also rewarding,” said Harper.

2. Learning and performing complex music builds a sense of achievement.
Learning complex music is tough, but that sense of achievement is always worth it. “As rewarding as it gets, like, ‘Wow, I did this,’” stated Harper.

1. Playing an instrument allows students to express feelings creatively.
Playing an instrument really lets creativity flow. According to Savannah, “It’s kind of a different kind of activity than most things you do every day.”

Whether it’s the creativity, friendships, or any other reason, overall, orchestra is “a really rewarding program to be a part of,” stated Savannah.