At the Winter Concert this year, the Lower Moreland Orchestra proudly performed four exciting pieces: Pavane, Carmen Suite, Firestorm, and Mamma Mia. The orchestra spent a lot of time working on the details of each song, from the mellow, peaceful Pavane to the lively Mamma Mia.
Pavane, by Gabriel Faure, is a graceful and elegant piece with a slow and stately tempo. The piece featured two soloists, senior Sienna Lee and freshman Dan Zhao, starting and finishing up the piece. Additionally, senior Jonathan Ma was featured on the last note of the piece, holding the high note to harmonize with the rest of the orchestra.
The Mamma Mia piece, which was composed and orchestrated by the students, was one composition from the orchestra deserving of special attention. Students collaborated in groups to complete the verse, pre-chorus, chorus, prelude, and outro for each instrument part (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass). When each group completed its section of the song, we compiled all of the parts to complete the Mamma Mia arrangement. Additionally, to make the arrangement a little more dynamic, the orchestra performed together with the choir, bringing the piece to life.
In addition, the Chamber Strings performed Adagio and Maharaja. The Chamber Strings group spent every Tuesday from 2:30-4:00 rehearsing Adagio countless times to perfect the changing rhythm, dynamics, and articulation of the piece.
Lastly, Juniors Grace Kwon and Sharon Lee performed a duet of Gabriel’s Oboe to showcase some of the wonderful talents that Lower Moreland has to offer. Pianist Sharon Lee accompanied violinist Grace Kwon.
The Winter Concert showcased the talents of Lower Moreland students, but it was also the concert debut for Mrs. Leah Oakes. A big thanks to Mrs. Oakes, as the orchestra concert was a rousing success!!
