SJHS Orchestra Students Wow Audience

Kristi Hatch
SJHS Staff Writer

On Tuesday, January 13, Springville Junior High’s Sinfonia and Chamber orchestras performed at SJHS. The orchestras are made up of eighth and ninth grade students who play the various stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass), and are directed by Mr. Samuel Tsugawa.

The students had different emotions before the concert. Emily Daybell, a bass player in the Chamber orchestra, said “I am excited and nervous because I want to impress my family, but I am very nervous to play for them.” Mike Bartholomew, a viola in the Chamber orchestra, was excited. “I know the music well, and I’m hoping my friends can come see us play,” he explained.

The students also have opinions about the music. “I think it is fun to play and it sounds good,” said Eric Mageno, a bass player in the Sinfonia. Mike Bartholomew also said “Most of it is fun, and it’ll be nice to show others how fun it is to listen.” Mr. Tsugawa, the conductor, said, “I think the students have enjoyed the music. I think the thing students like about music is the rhythm, and all of the songs have good rhythm.”

The students were also looking forward to the music and being able to perform it for an audience. “I think that they will like it because we’ve put a lot of work into it to make it really good,” said Elizabeth Elliott, a member of the Sinfonia.

Prior to the show, Mr. Tsugawa was also looking forward to the concert. “The students are sounding very good, and I enjoy listening to the orchestras and watching them become better musicians.” He also said that he thought the parents would enjoy it, not just because they’re the students’ parents, but because the students will sound good.

The Sinfonia performed first, followed by the Chamber orchestra. Then they combined and played three numbers together. There were a total of fifty students in the combined numbers, but Mr. Tsugawa didn’t think it was hard to bring them together to practice. “It was quite easy because I have good students. They are very professional and cooperative. The all like each other and there are no bullies, so everyone likes being here. I enjoyed putting them together.”