Flowers, Fermatas, and Friendship; the Spring Orchestra Concert is Here!

          Spring is slowly peeking through the cloudy gloom, and Lawrentians have the Spring Orchestra Concert to look forward to in order to kick off this season of growth and fun times. This Friday, April 5, from 7 to 8 PM, a production that has been in the works since January will showcase the hard work of students  in the Philharmonic and Collegium Orchestras. Our musicians have been spending their free time pouring effort into the concert’s pieces, centering the music’s overall theme around the musicians.Whether you are attending for a friend, the orchestral pieces, or simply for a homework break, students will be able to witness  the careful skill, wonderful music, and sense of camaraderie shared between this special group of performers. 

           The Spring Orchestra Concert will be conducted by gifted musician Nico Olarte-Hayes, a cellist and the Director of Lawrenceville’s orchestras. Olarte-Hayes, who studied—and currently works—at Julliard, began by explaining that “these pieces are…really substantial, great pieces.” Olarte-Hayes then went on to share that, “[he] thinks they are perfectly suited to each member of the ensemble.” Not only will the music featured be artistically composed, but listeners may trust that they will be hearing each section perform at a wonderful level. The musicians will be performing  works composed by the likes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Gabriel Fauré, as well as film scores from John Williams, who brought films such as  Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Jurassic Park to life. So, attendees should keep an ear out for a few familiar tunes.  Olarte-Hayes hopes that “people who [come] to the concert will be able to turn to the person they came with and say, ‘hey! I know that melody!’”
     
           Skillful music is not the only creation stirring in the orchestras’ practice spaces, as the students have truly fostered a “sense of camaraderie.” “Whenever you make something together…you are gaining a strong connection” was Olarte-Hayes’ observation, noting how the bonds between students are seen as they “linger in the commons room to chat.”

          Violinist Isabelle Lee’27 also feels the connection. As the only II Form violinist in Collegium, she was originally worried about “not fitting in”, but her fears soon faded away after discovering that “everyone was really nice.” Lee also mentioned that the upperformers were “supportive…and like model[s] to follow,” admiring both their craft and helpful demeanor. 
Olarte-Hayes has similar comments, stating that the members of the orchestra are “bright, fast learners” who “quickly understand what [he asks] for” when he gives suggestions, “something which can’t be said for every youth orchestra.” Olarte-Hayes elaborates, saying “it is important that the musicians at Lawrenceville continue to grow as musicians…over the four years that they are at Lawrenceville.” Ending with his most impactful comment, Olarte-Hayes emphasized his “hope that students walk away, both from the audience and from the orchestra, feeling that orchestra at Lawrenceville is an important part of Lawrenceville culture…because it is!” 

          The spring can be such a whirlwind of exciting growth and activities, making it important for students to take some time off to connect with peers in a new way. So, this Friday night, April 5,  save an hour of your schedule to appreciate and experience the tremendous musicianship and chemistry of your fellow Lawrentians in Philharmonic and Collegium while letting the tunes whirl through.