By Amber Paré
Chorus students and members of the Soundwaves took a break from preparations for upcoming performances to travel to Boston Symphony Hall to witness an open rehearsal for performers including cellist Yo Yo Ma, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
According to chorus teacher Donna O’Neill, the rehearsal was open to all high school students in Boston and surrounding areas. Students departed from the school by bus in the morning.
The performance was preceded by a pre-rehearsal conversation between Yo Yo Ma and Andris Nelsons, director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, according to sophomore Dante Lombardi.
“I loved the whole experience…I felt like I really got to know [Yo Yo Ma] even though I wasn’t directly talking to him,” he said.
The Tanglewood Festival Chorus and Boston Symphony Orchestra later performed a world premiere piece written specifically for Boston’s orchestra.
“The performance of the piece with the composer himself present was a phenomenal experience. Students learned a lot about high-level ensemble rehearsals and what it is like to be a professional performer,” O’Neill said.
Students enjoyed the performance and expressed gratitude for the experience. “I am so thankful that I was able to see the performance. It was very inspiring because I am a performer and a chorus student,” senior Courtney MacDougall said.
Following the performance, O’Neill and chorus members went to Uno Chicago Grill for lunch before returning to the school.
According to O’Neill, members of the chorus and Soundwaves are continuing to prepare for upcoming performances.
The Soundwaves’ December performances include the high school concert, Manchester tree lighting, Essex holiday festival, the Council on Aging luncheon, and an event to benefit Doctors Without Borders, an organization that provides Ebola aid.
O’Neill said that she is looking forward to the Soundwaves’ upcoming performances this year and believes that the A Capella group will continue to take advantage of new opportunities.
“The group is doing a phenomenal job keeping up with the performance demand, especially considering that eight of the 16 members are new this year. The group loves to perform and is continuing to work hard, maintain perspective, and have fun,” she said. (15)
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