Music to My Ears

“It’s really fun. I like it because it’s a class where, instead of homework, you get to play music. It’s different from other classes,” said Sena Warren, an eighth grader at SJHS. This quote describes an amazing elective class available at Springville Junior High School: orchestra.

Dr. Tsugawa directs and teaches the orchestra during first, second, and third period. There are some cool instruments, which include bass, violin, viola, and cello. Students warm up with scales and other exercises, then get their fingers moving with faster songs. Then they tackle their concert songs. The orchestra is looking forward to performing in upcoming concerts, including one in January.

Many students enjoy being in the orchestra. “It’s really fun-we get to play really fun songs where you go really fast,” said Becky Britt, an eighth-grade orchestra student. Sena Warren said, “I did sixth-grade orchestra and I really liked it. I’ve tried several different instruments, but I loved the cello. I definitely have a better ear... it’s made me sharper on what I’m doing.”

Shelby Smith, a cellist in eighth-grade, said that she loves orchestra. She wanted to learn to play another instrument and she loves the cello so far. “Dr. Tsugawa is really funny. He dances sometimes, and he makes playing fun and easy,” she said.