Citywide High School Honor Band and Orchestra resonated in Manual High School.
Artwork by Luke DeGregori
There’s a unique feel with live music performed by a large group of people, and listeners at this year’s Citywide High School Honor Orchestra and Band Concert experienced the way a tune can carry people.
For a newcomer to orchestral performances, conductors play a large role in the performance. The manner in which they move their arms and baton have a certain touch of magic to them, as if the music is moving them. Some audience members may be lucky enough to glimpse how the face of the conductor changes with the soft harmonies, naturally smiling, and the strong bass, in which they appear tense. The orchestra was conducted by Brandon Matthews, Musical Director for the Metropolitan State College of Denver. Matthews has conducted Denver’s Philharmonic Orchestra and the Metro State Symphony Orchestra. “He would get really into it. He obviously loved conducting and he would move wildly with the music. We can tell when a conductor is into it or if they’re doing it just to get volunteer hours. He obviously wanted to do it; he obviously wanted to help us, and that showed,” said TJ senior Luke DeGregori.
TJ’s orchestra had practiced in anticipation of this concert for a long time. The difficult part was coming together to perform as an orchestra in over the course of just three days. The students practiced after school on Thursday, and spent all day Friday practicing as a group. The group came together again on Saturday to practice in the morning and prepare for the afternoon’s performance.
There’s something unique about a live orchestra and band. Listeners can feel the music. It absolutely fills the theater unlike the echo of a single performer, and Denver Public Schools’ Citywide High School Honors performance was nothing short of captivating.
