This year’s String Orchestra consists of a large group of members playing the cello, double bass, viola, and violin. Under the leadership and guidance of Ms. Melnik, the String Orchestra delivered a series of successful concerts throughout the school year. Our members include the following students – Ryan Hur ’27, Derek Kang ’27, Geo Kim ’27, Harry An ’27, Yuzu Emoto ’27, Ryan Han ’27, Shelby Jackson Jr ’27, James Kang ’27, Michael Kao ’27, Travis Kim ’26, Sungbin Lim ’27, Chopard Lin ’27, Samuel Liu ’29, Logan Oh ’27, Kaden Song ’27, Toby Teng ’27, Adam Xu Jr. ’28, Lawrence Yang ’28, Hoya Yoon ’28, Charlie Zhen ’28.

This spring, the String Orchestra was able to visit Deerfield Elementary School for a concert. We performed a diverse selection of pieces from various genres, including “Canon in D,” “Hunter’s Moon,” “A Time For Us,” and “Across the Plains.” Furthermore, we had the opportunity to perform a song composed by our own Harry An ’27.

 One of the highlights of our concert was performing an original composition by our own violinist, Harry An ’27. Before we played his piece – “Rondo for String Quartet in D Minor” – he gave a speech about his inspirations and his journey to composing the piece. He said that the movement and chatter of many students in the hallways between classes influenced his composition. 

Despite inevitable challenges, such as organizing rehearsals, our members worked diligently to deliver the best possible performance. Although our rehearsals were primarily held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, most students volunteered to devote their free time to additional practices to assemble and harmonize our pieces. Ms. Melnik, conductor and director of the String Orchestra, showed immense pride and satisfaction in the Orchestra’s performance, for their excellence in “hard work and dedication.”