On Wednesday, April 10, the Burroughs Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra traveled to Fresno to participate in the California Music Educators Association Orchestra Festival, where they experienced unprecedented success.
“Both of our ensembles were awarded Unanimous Superior ratings for their performance and Superior for their sight reading adjudication,” said Music Teacher Amber Petersen. “This is the highest honor to be awarded to an ensemble!”
On Thursday, the performers were buzzing about with excitement about their achievement. The event was equally inspiring for the up-and-coming students in the Orchestra class and the more advanced performers in Symphonic Orchestra.
“It was a really great experience,” said freshman violinist Alexis Zwierzchowski. “It feels really amazing to think that I could be part of a great group like that.”
Senior Amanda Huynh, the Symphonic Orchestra concertmaster, shared her pride in the groups’ achievement.
“I am so proud of both groups that performed at the festival,” said Huynh. “There aren’t many chances where Symphonic Orchestra gets to watch Orchestra perform, besides from concerts, but watching them on stage at Fresno High School amazed me beyond words. I have my full confidence in the future of Burroughs music as these students will carry on the legacy.”
She also commended her fellow musicians in Symphonic Orchestra.
“Despite all the pre-performance nerves, we did a great job and I could feel the energy project throughout the entire concert hall after each last note of our three pieces,” said Huynh, who went on to praise Petersen for her musicianship and direction.
“We are so lucky as a group to have Mrs. Petersen as our director,” said Huynh. “Her dedication to us is what motivates us to work hard so that we can all share how rewarding the experience is. The connection between us students and Mrs. Petersen plays such an important role in how we perform.”
With graduation around the corner, the festival was somewhat sentimental for seniors like Huynh.
“Being able to play at Royce Hall and going back home knowing that both classes made history for Burroughs music is an incredible feeling,” said Huynh.
While the groups did not get live feedback, Petersen shared some of the judges’ responses with the groups.
“The feedback will be very helpful when we want to practice as a group or on our own, because we have some tips on what to improve upon and what to look for,” said Zwierzchowski.
With the festival behind them, both ensembles are now focusing on their next performance.
“We look forward to sharing our music with our community at our Spring Orchestral Concert,” said Petersen.
The concert is at 6:30 p.m. on May 15 in the Parker Performing Arts Center.
