The Emerson Orchestra performed in their pre UIL concert on Feb. 11 and they continue to prepare for UIL which will take place at Reedy High School on Feb. 25, 26 and March 3. 

All four orchestras will participate individually in a sight reading competition where they will perform music they have never seen before. All orchestras will also get to perform three pieces which they have been working on since before winter break. With UIL being one of the only competitions where students participate as a group in their respective orchestras, the pressure is on to demonstrate all the skills that they’ve learned in the previous months.  

“We’ve prepared a lot for UIL beginning in January,” Chamber Orchestra member Akshitha Aravind, 9, said. “We’ve been working in sectionals, with our director and clinician to refine our pieces and make sure we sound our best.”

Since the beginning of the school year, Clinician Marina Glava has been rehearsing with orchestra students about two times a week to further refine their musical skills, resulting in a better performance. 

“We’ve been alternating between rehearsing our three pieces based on what each needs and how much detail we think we can give each one,” Symphonic Orchestra member Samhitha Yeerelly said. “We’ve had people like Ms. Glava come in to help us so we get different perspectives along with Mrs. Mour’s. Recently, we also practiced on stage to familiarize ourselves with that setting.”

Symphonia Orchestra member Aishani Jha describes the process of preparing for UIL as challenging but rewarding.

“Seeing and hearing my orchestra play the piece better and better every time is worth the hours of practice we all put into it,” Jha said. “I’m proud of our orchestra community.”

Good luck to the Emerson Orchestra as they head to compete in UIL.