Summer begins for the Symphony Orchestra with a New York tour
By Ryan Kim (Staff Writer)
Music fills the halls of Carnegie Hall and as the symphony orchestra plays, the room is silent. Then as they finish, there’s only silence. As the orchestra takes a bow and leaves, applause fills the room, and cheers are heard from the audience.
On June 16th, the Samo Symphony Orchestra went on a trip to New York and played 4 beautiful pieces at Carnegie hall leaving the audience stunned as they finished.
This was the first trip that the orchestra has been able to go on since 2019 after COVID-19 hit. Naturally, everyone was excited and ready to perform in New York. As their trip reached its end, the students felt closer to the orchestra and were glad to spend some time with the seniors before they went to college. Charlie Marin (’22) has explained what he thought and felt about the trip.
“I think not having those trips really just made this one a lot more special. I wish covid didn’t cancel everything; however, this trip was still amazing and I can’t be anything but grateful that it happened,” Marin said.
He explained that due to COVID-19, he was not able to go on any field trips. However, New York was an unforgettable experience for him as it helped bond the orchestra and the seniors together more and the memories they made would not be forgotten. Both directors of the Samo orchestras explained what they both felt about the trip.
“The trip was still different from pre-pandemic times and had hurdles like making sure no one got sick. But the fact we had the opportunity to perform outside Santa Monica was exciting. Some hadn’t been to New York so we made sure to give them the experience of a different city,” Jason Aiello said.
Aiello illustrates how important it was to make sure that the class was safe from COVID-19 and that the students would get a lifetime experience while performing. He described the trip as an unforgettable experience and a memorable trip for everyone. He also let the students explore the area and the places in New York.
As the students explored New York, they went on several trips such as going on a boat tour around the Statue of Liberty, going to art museums, watching Hadestown on Broadway, and eating at several restaurants. While touring around New York, the Symphony Orchestra performed at St. Malachy Cathedral where they performed in front of family and friends. Raeva Vasisht (’23) explained how the place and the environment felt to her.
“It was our first performance on tour, and it gave us some reassurance that we were ready for Carnegie. It was honestly so cathartic, the sound was so atmospheric, and at times it felt like you were almost floating,” Vasisht said.
As their trip reached the end, the orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall. There were many feelings such as sadness, nervousness, and reverence for the place during the time and Skylar Tuckett (’23) talks about what she thought after performing.
“Carnegie Hall is such a renowned concert hall and I felt so honored to be able to play there alongside all of my friends and the Symphony Orchestra community,” Tuckett said.
Tuckett described the performance as a breathtaking experience as well as a big motivator for her to do well in music. She felt that the experience helped bond with the orchestra and the seniors as well.
As the students and teachers went back to Santa Monica, Vasisht leaves the seniors and the trip as her final thoughts.
“This tour was important to the seniors, and we really wanted to share that experience with them. The trip and performance were incredible and the perfect way to say goodbye to the class of 2022,’’ Vasisht said.
The Symphony Orchestra explored the city during the time they were in New York and part took in some fun activities.