Orchestra livens up Town Center with holiday performance

By Amanda Thomas

a.thomas@trojantimes.org

(L-R): Senior David Nakao and Junior Daniel Bayot opened the performance with "Bells of Christmas."

On Dec. 10, the MHS orchestra helped to spread some holiday cheer throughout the community by conducting their annual Christmas performance at the Mililani Town Center. Neighborhood members gathered around center stage and started to sing as they heard familiar Christmas medleys being played.

“We try to come here annually, it’s just our way of sharing with the community and bringing music to the community,” stated Music Department Head Bryan Hirata.

To prepare for the performance, the orchestra ensemble practiced the songs they learned throughout the year and held a few practice sessions with their section outside of class where they practiced their individual pieces. The practices allowed the students to revise their tone and quality while helping them to feel relaxed and comfortable for the performance. “This performance is different from the others; I feel it’s not as intense as other performances, but rather it is more enjoyable and ‘easy-going.’ It’s more for the audience to enjoy and for us to spread that holiday spirit,” explained Sophomore violinist Erin Kim.

To spread holiday spirit, the orchestra ensemble kicked off the night with the song “Bells of Christmas,” which attracted many onlookers and community members. With the time and effort put into preparation for the performance, the ensemble was pleased with the outcome. “I think it went very well and a lot of people enjoyed it. Everyone did a great job and we didn’t have a lot of mistakes, so I really think it sounded good,” stated Sophomore violist Lauren Kim. Erin Kim added, “I feel it was nice to spread Christmas spirit at this time of year to everyone and see them take pleasure in our performance.”

While their main objective was to spread some Christmas spirit, Hirata hoped that his students gained other important values, such as the significance of having a strong community oriented mindset. “I hope they get the feeling of achievement, of working together and the value of cooperation … the idea that it’s good to share and to give back to the community what they give to us,” explained Hirata.

Although the orchestra does not have any other performances this year, they continue to prepare for their concert in March with the Hawaii Music Festivals.