PHS Orchestra Plays a Pre-Contest Concert

pre-contest-concert-oneWhile preparing for the upcoming contest, the Portage High School orchestra put on a pre-contest concert.

The concert was put on by the advanced orchestra class at the high school. The orchestra was divided into two different smaller groups for state contest and jazz contest.

One group was entered in group 1 and one group was entered in group 3.

A class will enter a certain group based on the difficulty of their selected music.

Group 1 played the songs “Days of Wine and Roses” and “Sing Sing Sing,” while group 3 played the songs “Swing Break” and “Little Sunflower.”

Though all the pieces were jazz pieces, they all had their differences.

pre-contest-concert-twoAccording to orchestra director Carrie Carlson, the “Little Sunflower” piece was relaxing and fun to listen to. “Swing Break” was more of a swing song, being more up tempo and exciting to play. “Days of Wine and Roses” was slow and relaxed while “Sing Sing Sing” was more of a ‘hot jazz’ piece.

The orchestra just finished competing in the Indiana State School Music Association Solo and Ensemble contest this past Saturday. The groups’ next stop is the ISSMA Jazz Contest, which will be held on Friday.

Competing in the Jazz Contest is required to for those intending to receive the All Music Award,  a prestigious award given to schools whose music programs are outstanding.

To Carlson, the concert was a success despite missing orchestra members.

“We had some kids missing tonight because they’re involved in track and other events so it was a bit edgy at times, but I think it achieved what we wanted it to, which was to put ourselves out there early so then we know what we need to work on in the future,” Carlson said.

Carlson believes that while the group is still a little rough in spots, they will be ready to compete once the contest comes around.

According to Carlson, the orchestra has been preparing for this for several years, as it takes some time to get to the skill level the students are at.

“I think they’re going to do terrific. It’s always hard to prepare in the middle of the year to fit in their jazz contest,” Carlson said.

Carlson is certain the kids’ hard work will pay off in the end.

“These kids are really hard working and they know what they need to do to be successful and they will do what they need to do to be successful,” she said.

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