At 6:00 on a Monday night, you may not expect to find much happening at CRLS. Classrooms are dark, and doors are locked. However, the basement of the arts building comes alive after the rest of the school goes quiet. The band room, in particular, is home to many talented musicians, including the CRLS Orchestra.
But what is the experience really like? And why, year after year, do students keep coming back? Alaan Clarke ’25 described to the Register Forum why he initially joined the orchestra. “I had been playing viola in middle school,” Clarke said, “it was something healthy I could continue with because I just enjoy playing.” Others have had similar experiences, picking up their instruments before high school and continuing to play throughout. Some, like Julia Slovotski ’24, have been playing from a very early age: “I started so long ago, I don’t really remember when,” she told the Register Forum. “My initial love for music definitely contributed to my choice to play violin,” she said.
Many joined the CRLS orchestra for the community. “I really wanted to meet other kids at CRLS who loved music like I did,” Anna Kehayova, 27’, described to the Register Forum. “My favorite part about the CRLS orchestra is how friendly the atmosphere is. I’ve been in lots of orchestras where the goal is to basically beat everyone else down and always be the best,” she said. “In the CRLS orchestra, on the other hand, everybody is always supporting one another and keeping rehearsals inviting and fun.” And that sense of belonging seems to be what brings new students in and keeps the old ones coming back. Slovotski explained to the Register Forum, “I love the people that you meet and play with,” she said. “[Ms. Umbro] makes these parties where we make a bunch of food. And we all bring in stuff like a potluck. And it’s themed often in the pieces that we play. I love those.” These group bonding activities are a highlight for many.
Playing in the orchestra does not come without hard work and challenges. Rehearsals start early in the morning and go late into the evening. “Being on time can be hard,” said Clarke ’25. Some struggle to find time to practice the music. “It takes a lot of work to get a concert ready,” said Erwin Kardatzke ’24. “Sometimes I don’t have a lot of time in my life. It can be a bit hard to keep up,” he said.
While balancing a busy schedule and playing in the orchestra can be difficult for some, the experience is rewarding for most. “If you have time to put in the effort to show up and be ready to play, then I think it’s a great choice,” Slovotski ’24 said, “even if you’re a beginner.” Kardatzke ’24 added, “Try it out. I always thought it’s gonna be scary and intimidating, but you’re gonna find so many people who are in the same place as you.”. From the musically gifted to those whose musical career began in the 5th grade, the orchestra welcomes all; See them perform in their Winter Concert on Wednesday, December 20th at 7pm in the Fitzgerald Auditorium.
