Redwood High School Orchestra Returns to Festival following Two year Hiatus

By: Alana Soukkhasem

In preparation for the orchestra festival taking place on March 24th, students participating will be performing in front for a group of judges, and get judged/rated based on how well they do.

One of the students, Alexander Nevarez ’23 has been encouraged to play all instruments (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) and his experience from the orchestra festivals and concerts in the past have gradually helped him “get things done throughout the performance.”

“I look forward to everything in this year’s festival, I’m so excited. And I feel great about being able to compete, not nervous in the slightest ” Nevarez said.

Mr Yokota speaks at Orchestra’s 2021 Spring Concert.

With the time being spent on practice, Orchestra conductor Mr. Rodney Yokota shares that his students have been practicing for almost 2 months.

“Asides from the students hard work and learning, it’s really a stretch for me because of the increase of students. Freshman and Sophomores that were joining back in from last year have little to no experience with this since they were withdrawn from their previous festival.” Yokota says.

Now, Orchestra students that haven’t been able to participate in any festivals because it was cut off due to COVID are finally able to attend one this year. In addition, Freshman’s similar to Taiani Eppling ‘25 have been practicing for a long time waiting to perform for judges.

“We play the songs that we have been practicing for at least 6 weeks, and get a score from a judge. I am expecting a few challenges, because I’m not the best player honestly. Though it feels great, amazing being able to compete. At this year’s festival, look forward to just being in it!” Eppling said.

Junior’s Ethan Hickey ‘23 and Nathan Perez ‘23 have been eager for their upcoming arrival at the festival. Remembering their last festival, Perez can still recall that “it is not really a big competition.”

Mr. Yokota hands out award at 2021 Spring Concert.

Although Hickey and Nathan both have a positive outlook on this year’s festival and match on their excitement, this competition will be “a real lot more challenging for the seniors who get awarded, but for the specific festival it’s mostly about teacher feedback. It’s actually going to be very fun,” Perez said.

Hickey adds. “Yeah, being part of the festival is like a community. Even music included, it’s a sense of connection to something we enjoy doing together.”