The student orchestra is one of the more popular ways to participate in classical music at Concord Academy. Comprised of over fifty students, it is CA’s largest ensemble and is open to anyone who wants to join. This year, the orchestra includes a wide variety of instruments; in fact, it is quite close to the lineup of a full-scale, standard orchestra. Of course, the orchestra always features a sizable, and sometimes even excessive, amount of more common instruments such as violins, cellos, flutes, and clarinets. However, some new additions to the group include oboes, double basses, a bassoon, a French horn, and even a timpani. This exciting new range in instrumentation allows the group to play a more elaborate and symphonic repertoire.
Andra Dix, both the coach and conductor of the orchestra, puts copious thought and intention behind the scenes to select the pieces. This year, she chose two movements from Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1. Op. 46: “Morning Mood” and “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” The first piece is more lyrical, airy, and pleasant, while the second is more dramatic, fast-paced, and frenetic. The opposing moods were intentional on Andra’s part. She stated, “The contrasting styles of the two movements offer a dynamic experience.” She was also intentional about the timing of the performance in relation to the pieces. She explained, “Since Family Weekend is scheduled close to Halloween, I thought ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ would bring a fun, spooky atmosphere to the event!”
In general, the members of the orchestra are happy with the pieces—-despite their challenging nature, they are fun to play. Members also agree that the pieces are fitting for the season. Principal flutist Chen Ye ’26 stated, “I’m looking forward to playing for Family Weekend.” First violinist Pearl Yu ’26 added that she appreciated the popularity of the pieces. She explained, “They’re more fun to play for us [and] entertaining for the audience since they know the pieces already.”
In the future, Andra plans to explore repertoire from different composers and time periods. She also hopes to one day grow the brass section, which currently consists of a sole French horn. In the meantime, however, swing by the Performing Arts Center during Family Weekend to hear the current orchestra play these two fun pieces!