UHS Orchestra Trip to New York

March 26, 2011 was the start of the Urbana High School Orchestra’s big trip over spring break to New York. They went to compete in the National Cup Orchestra Competition and competed against eight other schools. They left on March 23, at 8 p.m; and they arrived the next day in New Jersey and stayed in a five star hotel for the remainder of their stay.

During their stay in New York, the orchestra kids got to explore New York City and attend the ‘Phantom of the Oprah’ Broadway show. Many of the kids enjoyed their stay in New York, and found it a lot different from Urbana, Illinois. “It was amazing! I’ve never seen so much traffic and people, and the Broadway show was awesome!” said Freshmen Darian Gingold.

DirectorTamra Gingold allowed the kids to go around Times Square and shop. The kids were also able to see one of the biggest stores, Macy’s. They also saw the devastating spot of 9/11.

Even though that was the week of spring break, all the kids who were playing in the competition had to still practice. Gingold hosted sectionals in the hotel. Many of the workers at the hotel were very happy to help out finding rooms for the kids to practice in.

On March 26th, it was a very exciting morning because, that was when the UHS orchestra performed in the contest. They had to wake up at 7 a.m the orchestra had to arrive at Julliard to perform at 10:30a.m. At that time four of the other schools has already performed, and the crowd was getting bigger and bigger.

Finally, Urbana performed as the smallest orchestra in the competition, playing the ‘Dvorak’s Serenade Movement One for Strings Andante Amoroso’ with soloist Jenny Hill, and ‘Perseus’ by Newbold. The second song received a standing ovation.

After, the performance, a conductor from Paris praised their performance, as exciting and really enjoyable to watch. The orchestra was able to watch the last three other orchestras perform. In the end UHS Orchestra received the third runner up trophy, and the most original piece award. “It was exciting to receive awards,” said Junior Kamiya Gable.

After the awards the orchestra went on a cruise, where they danced and ate with the other competing school orchestras. “The best dance I ever went to,” said Freshman Zelip Macio.

On that same day at 8 p.m they were on their way back home arriving around noon at the high school. This was a great experience for the orchestra kids, and they really enjoyed themselves said Gingold. She is very proud of her students, and is planning on competing again!