Port Chester High School’s orchestra students recently traveled to White Plains High School to participate in the much-anticipated annual White Plains Orchestra Festival, a day of musical collaboration.

The festival kicked off with an inspiring performance by the White Plains Symphony Orchestra. Afterwards, Port Chester students observed a clinic led by Mina Kim, Director of Orchestras at SUNY Purchase, who gave expert coaching to the White Plains Symphony Orchestra on performance techniques and orchestral discipline.

One highlight was a special collaboration between Port Chester orchestra students and the White Plains Mariachi band, Mariachi Juvenil Los Tigres. This vibrant fusion of orchestral and mariachi music provided a unique and culturally rich experience for Port Chester High School's budding musicians. In addition to the mariachi performance, students participated in their own clinic with Mina Kim, further honing their skills.

The afternoon culminated in a memorable performance of the first movement of the Dvorak String Quintet. The piece was performed by two members of the Excelsior Symphony on violin, Port Chester Orchestra Teacher Melissa Neyer on double bass, and two White Plains High School teachers—Zachary May on cello and Joanna Smulakowski on viola.

As a special gesture, May even offered students free tickets to the upcoming Excelsior Symphony concert. Several Port Chester students took advantage of the offer and attended.

Overall, the event proved to be a rewarding experience for everyone involved, offering students a chance to learn from seasoned professionals, engage with different musical styles, and deepen their appreciation for their crafts.

Date Added: 12/9/2024