Jack Antich represents Samo at All-National Orchestra Showcase

On Nov. 28 and 29, Samo bass player, Jack Antich (’18), performed with the All-National Symphony Orchestra in Orlando, Florida. Antich was one of the roughly 100 talented musicians to be chosen for this highly prestigious orchestra. Antich, a prominent member of the Samohi Symphony Orchestra, has played the bass for about eight years. During this time, he has been very successful, whether it be in musical competitions or simply as a leader in orchestra. While his musical leadership has only been seen by the peers and mentors he works with during orchestra rehearsals, his success as a bassist is apparent in the number of honor orchestras he has participated in. Altogether, he has participated in various honor orchestras more than ten times.Ultimately, the All-National Honor Orchestra is comprised of the “best of the best,” the greatest young musicians in all of the United States of that specific year. To be a part of such talent is an extremely valuable and educative experience; it the truly the biggest honor a young musician can have.“I wanted to audition for the All-National Honor Orchestra because being around other great musicians improves my musical capabilities and leadership,” Antich said.While the experience of being in the All-National Honor Orchestra is a rewarding one, getting in is a very long and challenging process. In fact, to even be accepted into the orchestra, one must participate in All-State Honor Orchestra, another orchestra made up of only the best musicians in California. Antich had to first audition for this honor orchestra, and only once he was accepted could he even think about auditioning for the All-National Honor Orchestra. In addition, once he was accepted into the All-National Symphony Orchestra, there were even more auditions for seating placement.“Most auditions were live, and those were the most nerve racking. But some were video recordings, which allowed me to show my complete potential without nervousness getting in the way,” Antich said.Either way, Antich was a part of the 2017 All-National Symphony Orchestra, an honor for both him and the Samo music program. Even though he doesn’t plan on pursuing music professionally, he feels that his experiences in the All-National Honor Orchestras have helped shape who he his as a person, as well as a musician.“I don’t think I will pursue music on a professional level, but I do believe that this orchestral playing has improved my confidence and willingness to express myself as an individual,” Antich said. “It has developed my skills in cooperation with others, leadership, and teamwork.”As he is a senior, his participation in the 2017 All-National Symphony Orchestra marks his third, and sadly, last appearance with the national honor orchestra. His journey as a talented and successful bassist should be an inspiration to all young musicians, showing that music isn’t just about improving your instrumental skill or being talented. Rather, music can shape your identity and help you discover the kind of person you would like to become.