The Upper School Symphony and Chamber Orchestra performed in the Spring Orchestral Concert in Rugby Auditorium March 14. The concert featured the pieces “Sevilla,” “March to the Scaffold,” “Hungarian Dance No. 5,” “Hungarian Dance No 6” and “Brandenburg Concerto No. 2.”
Symphony violinist Abigail Juarez ’26 said routinely practicing outside of class played a key role in preparing for the concert.
“I have to practice outside of class more often, but it’s not that hard since I’ve been playing violin for 4 years,” Juarez said. “I get nervous building up to the concerts, but that feeling has never gone away, and I think that’s universal.”
Performing Arts Teacher Neli Nikolaeva said working with students over a period of multiple years has fostered a stronger sense of community.
“The process of learning their instruments takes time, so I’ve been very fortunate to guide many of them along the way,” Nikolaeva said. “I’ve been there since the day they started their instruments, so I feel like our process begins when we first met. It’s more than the commitment of one student. It takes a family, a village.”
Symphony violinist Diane Kang ’27 said collaboration is the key to succeeding in a concert.
“During our rehearsals, I learned that teamwork is the most important and challenging part of playing in an orchestra,” Kang said. “It takes a lot of practice to listen to each other since every instrument has different melodies and rhythms in order to build a harmony.”
Nikolaeva said the preparation was challenging as the fires postponed in-class rehearsals, leaving the group with roughly two weeks to prepare.
“We had lost some valuable rehearsal time during the fires, particularly because I also lost my home,” Nikolaeva said. “Coming back, there were some adjustments needed to be made.”
Symphony clarinetist Zoe Vourgourakis ’26 said guidance from teachers immensely helped with the preparation despite the lack of time.
“Thankfully, Dr. Nikolaeva has been super diligent about introducing us to the pieces early on and making the most of our little rehearsal time,” Vourgourakis said. “For example, she put different instruments into sectional groups with private teachers to help learn their parts separately before combining them to perform.”
Vourgourakis said Nikolaeva inspires students with her encouragement and passion.
“I love how Dr. Nikolaeva teaches the class, bringing more and more enthusiasm every day despite what may be going on in her own life,” Vourgourakis said. “Her selflessness inspires everybody in our class to become not only better musicians but better people. I can’t help but look forward to every performance knowing I have the support of her and so many others.”
Nikolaeva said concerts like these are essential in bringing out the true art in performers.
“I hope they have the thrill of sharing an art form with people who love them and want them to succeed,” Nikolaeva said. “Sharing is the greatest gift we have to give and to receive.”
