Members of the LHS orchestra and band had an incredible opportunity to travel to New York City and watch the New York Philharmonic perform on Thursday, Feb. 6. It was the first joint trip between the two classes, making it an even more special experience.
The group gathered second period to get onto the bus. The bus ride was divided into two groups: ninth and tenth graders, and eleventh and twelfth graders. The journey into the city was long, but the anticipation was worth it for many. Once they arrived, students had the chance to eat their lunch at a public space across from the Lincoln Center, where the Philharmonic Orchestra would later perform.
Before entering the center, students took a group photo in front of the David H. Koch Center. “The weather was rainy and cold, but once we got close to the performance time, I got so excited,” commented junior Angelina Macchia.
The concert hall was spacious, with tall ceilings and fancy chandeliers hanging down. The seats were comfortable, and the group quickly settled in, along with other students from different schools.
The orchestra opened the performance with Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5.” The conductor was energetic, moving his arms with precision as he guided the orchestra. The musicians played with incredible skill, and the sound filled the entire hall. The strings sounded smooth, while the brass section brought power to the performance. “It was similar and different to how our orchestra plays in school,” said junior Lara Vardar. As the concert was devoted to teaching young adults who are passionate about music, the conductors paused frequently between performances to share insights into the innovations associated with music.
Orchestra teacher Veronica Underhill began planning for the trip in September. She expressed, “I hope this will inspire them to play more; pay attention to the details in their music, technique, and interpretation when they do; and maybe consider listening to more classical music if it’s not a genre that they had previously listened to much.”
