Orchestra to Perform at Disney Hall
Berkeley High’s music department deserves great recognition for their world-renowned jazz band but also the BHS Orchestra. The BHS Concert Orchestra/Band may fly under the radar a little bit, but they have really put together something special as well. After playing outstanding concert after outstanding concert last year, the Orchestra/Band is finally getting rewarded. Their winter concert from last year was recorded and sent out as part of an application to play along with six to eight other high schools at Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles next summer, and they were invited. Karen Wells, the director of the BHS Orchestra/Band, as well as the BHS IB Music and Music Theory teacher, is thrilled that her students are going to have this opportunity. “This is a chance to play for many new people, in an amazing concert hall,” she explained.
by Frank Gehry and has been open since 2003. It is famous for its unique look architecturally (a typical Frank Gehry structure of corrugated metal siding) and its incredible acoustics. It’s truly one of the worlds most recognized modern concert hall, and the fact that the BHS orchestra/band is playing there is truly amazing.
“This seemed like just a wonderful chance to play in a professional concert hall with with great acoustics,” Wells said.
BHS and the other high schools that will be present in this concert will receive feedback from judges after their respective turns. This will be a serious type of concert with more serious music, but the orchestra/band will also get to play “a lighter, pop-oriented concert for Disneyland,” says Wells.
The goal is to take all 86 orchestra/band members to LA, but a ton of fundraising must be done in order to make this happen. “We have had fundraisers at Chevy’s and at Barnes & Nobles, and we played an extra Halloween concert,” Wells said.
They’re also looking to raise money on campus. Bake sales are held on Fridays in the C–building gallery, and will feature a silent auction at their annual Winter Concert on Thursday, December 10, and possibly at their February chamber
concert and June concert as well. Although these fundraisers are helping, they are not nearly all the way there. The group must still raise $14,000, and each individual will to partially pay for their visit.
This will truly be a memorable experience to say the least for all the member of the orchestra/band, so don’t hesitate to help them, either by attending their concerts, bake sales, or contributing in any way possible.
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