A galaxy far, far, away will be coming to PHS at the upcoming spring instrumental concerts, with recreations of John Williams’ Star Wars movie score and Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter” by a brand new full orchestra.
Music teacher Trevor Meseroll said it isn’t known the last time PHS had a full orchestra (an ensemble of string, wind, and brass instruments), if ever.
Almost 70 student musicians will be participating, including students from Symphonic Band and the orchestra class.
“It’s been nice because I’m teaching both classes, so it feels very seamless,” Meseroll said. “Each of the ensembles separately sound good, and maybe they each have certain weaknesses, but when we come together it makes a really full sound.”
Meseroll said the ensemble will have four after-school rehearsals before their first performance, learning about 13 minutes of music in total.
“We’re doing one suite from a Star Wars piece which was chosen by the students, and the other is Jupiter by Gustav Holst, so we have kind of a space theme to get started,” Meseroll said.
Meseroll said those playing in the full orchestra are playing the music in addition to all of the other pieces that their groups are doing separately. The full orchestra will play at both the orchestra and band concerts at the end of May.
“If you put it together, that’s about six pieces they all have to prepare for their concerts, and it becomes kind of a lot,” Meseroll said.
Despite this and also not being a part of the symphonic band and orchestra classes, trumpeter junior Rachel Young still decided to participate.
“For me, it’s a different style of music which is really interesting to play,” Young said.
Young said the sound the orchestra produces is loud and very full in a way that it isn’t in other ensembles she has played in before.
“Hearing how the strings were able to come together with contrasting instruments like percussion and baritone saxophones in rehearsal was a very awesome experience,” Young said.
Full orchestra saxophonist freshman Zayd Mahmood said Mr. Meseroll teaches the music “amazingly” with “joy and compassion.”
“I love how we all play together and it sounds so beautiful,” Mahmood said.
Meseroll said he is really excited for the concert.
“I think everybody’s going to be thrilled by the sound of the full orchestra,” Meseroll said.
Both Meseroll and Young said they think this program has a good future ahead of it.
“As it’s working right now, it’s great. I’ve been really happy that we’re doing [the full orchestra] and I want to continue it,” Meseroll said.
