Dressed in their professional blacks and whites, the Charlotte Latin Orchestra walks onto the stage, taking their seats. A warm, inviting atmosphere is present in Thies Auditorium, soft Christmas music is playing in the background and poinsettias decorate the stage. The seats fill with teachers and families ready to cheer on the musicians. As the students get ready to start their Winter Orchestra Concert, the auditorium becomes so quiet you can hear a pin drop, and then the music begins. The Middle School Orchestras kick off the festivities, putting on a wonderful show displaying their hard work and dedication, leading to the Upper School’s performance.
Over the course of the Upper School’s four pieces, the audience becomes swept into the beautiful music. Singling out and observing any one of the musicians, it is intriguing to see the passion ablaze within them as they play. Watching the Middle and Upper Schoolers leads to the realization of the hard work and aspirations that push students to go from beginner novices to skilled, talented musicians. Without each and every student having a “why” behind the reason they play, the music would be pointless and mean nothing for the community.
Each member has something special to add to the group, and one of those people is Wills Hutchinson ‘26, the only bass player in the Upper School Orchestra. “I’ve been playing bass since fifth grade, which was eight years ago. I picked the bass because I was really tall as a kid, and the bass was the biggest instrument, so I thought it would fit,” Hutchinson said. While being the only bass player might get lonely, there are some positives as well. “It gives me more freedom to kind of do things as I want and kind of put my own spin on it,” he said. Hutchinson’s purpose in the orchestra is important to him and to others.“I like to contribute a sort of foundation to the orchestra playing the bass. I make sure that I’m always on beat and not kind of leading the rest of them astray. I try to bring energy in all of our classes, either play something special or make a joke or two, kind of lift up the mood of the orchestra so it’s still fun for everybody.” The students stay in harmony because of the leadership he provides in playing bass. Hutchinson has mixed feelings reflecting on this momentous occasion.“This is the last time I’ll get to play Christmas music on the bass, so that’s kind of odd to think about, but I’m still looking forward to one more spring concert. It’s where we recognize me and my fellow seniors, and so I’m excited for that.”
While being a solo leader is important, there is strength in numbers too. Sophomores in the violin section, Yaretzi Pacheco Ramirez ‘28, Grace Purdom ‘28 and Lexi Vineyard ‘28, share how influences early on affect their desire to play. Pacheco Ramirez said, “I’ve been playing for six years…my older sister played violin as well, and I saw her play, like practicing at home a lot, and that really inspired me.”
Purdom said, “I remembered I had wanted to play violin because I thought it sounded really pretty.” She continues to play because of the community orchestra created, which she defines by the blessings it brings them. “It’s a really great community at Latin, and to be able to make music and have fun with our friends, it’s so special.”
These bonds are formed by the leadership of the Director of Orchestras Sabrina Howard and Associate Director of Orchestras Laci Wargo, who both see the artistic benefits music creates for the students firsthand. Howard and Wargo said, “We have found that our students love having music in their daily lives. For many of them, being a part of the orchestra allows them a creative way to express themselves.” They explain the remarkable tight-knit unity students and directors alike feel from the time they begin orchestra in Lower or Middle School to the years spent perfecting their craft. “The orchestra is very inclusive, and each instrument section is much like a family. Creating a family-oriented community is very important to us.” While a musician might have started playing for a variety of reasons, this feeling of belonging is what keeps the spark of desire going.
The students are where they are now because of the goals and dreams they had early on. This led them to discover the rewards and joys of orchestra. Having deep down a “why” inspiring them to play is the reason the music they make together is so alluring. The community benefits from this by receiving a gift, the gift of music. Listening to this performance allows those in the audience to truly feel the spirit of the holidays.
