Halloween is right around the corner and many West High students are starting to get into the spooky spirit. Though, one group in particular got to put their costumes on early. The West Orchestra performed their annual Masquerade concert Tuesday, October 22nd. The West orchestra contains a mix of mainly four instruments: violin, viola, cello, and bass.
The masquerade concert is the first concert of the year for the orchestra, during this concert the students get to wear costumes to get themselves and their audience into the mood for Halloween.
Director of orchestras at West High School, Wilson and Buffalo Elementary, Carleen Easley, is looking forward to the concert and for her performers to show off their skills. “This concert will feature different genres of music and also different sound effects made on the instruments that sound like eerie halloween haunted ghosts. It’s a fun concert,” said Easley.
Besides the costumes, there is another thing that makes this concert different from others. “Sometimes students have solos but in this concert we have solos within the orchestra featuring different sections of the orchestra,” said Easley.
When asked how she felt prior to the concert she couldn’t deny her enthusiasm. “ I am always excited about our Masquerade Concert; it’s our first concert of the year,” said Easley.
Though, it’s not just Easley who was excited for the concert. Members of the orchestra are excited for their many performances this year. Prior to the concert, senior and bass player Faith Kraklio indicated there were a few things she’s looking forward to in particular. “ I’m excited to dress up for Halloween for our next concert, and hang out with my friends.”
The orchestra worked hard to be able to perform their best for this concert, practicing together every day during first block, as well as each member having an individual lesson once a week. For this concert the orchestra played a total of nine pieces, including The Avengers Theme, Ghost Carnival, The Haunted Ballroom, and Skyfall from the movie Skyfall.
