This school year has kept many students busy, and orchestra members are no exception. They have already put on a few concerts, and the Chamber Orchestra was selected as the third runner-up in the state for State Honor Orchestra. The schedule for next semester is no less full than that of this semester’s, with events such as University Interscholastic League and the end-of-the-year concert planned.

“I like working with the students,” orchestra director Jo Wallace-Abbie said. “I like to see what they can produce at the end of a rehearsal time and see how much it means to them.”

Wallace-Abbie and assistant director Amy Gross do a lot of work to prepare the orchestra for performances. Wallace-Abbie selects all of the pieces, and she and Gross do all of the fingerings and bowings for each part.

“We try to pick music that is best suited to each group,” Wallace-Abbie said. “We rehearse them over and over in class and listen and really pick things apart to make each piece as good as we can make it.”

The orchestra is getting ready to perform at some major events in the spring.

“We have the Asian Festival in March,” Wallace-Abbie said. “It’s a huge fundraiser for us and also a lot of fun for everyone. It’s a good meal and good entertainment.”

Preparations for performances consist of more than just practicing and rehearsals.

“We have to get all of the logistics for the concerts, logistics for the trips, planning and money collection,” Wallace-Abbie said. “It’s not always just music. People see a concert and think that’s all it is.”

One of the biggest upcoming events for the orchestra is the trip they will take in the spring to Disney World.

“We’ve never gone to Disney for an orchestra trip before,” senior Grace Zhang said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to practice and use my skills as well as be with people who are passionate about the same things that I am.”

In Orlando, the orchestra will take part in a Disney performing arts workshop. A Disney musician will work with them and help them learn about and perform background music for movies.

“The kids are really excited about it,” Wallace-Abbie said. “It will be a great experience for them.”

The trip presents more than a chance for members of the orchestra to gain musical experience.

“It’s the orchestra’s opportunity to get close to one another and have a great time,” junior Phil Son said. “Orchestra is a place where I can really express my musical emotions and share in the joy of creating beauty with like-minded people.”