On April 9, the Greenhill Chamber Orchestra performed its third major concert of the year.  

“I am so excited for the concert,” violinist Myra Puri said before the concert. “I can’t wait to see the kind of music we create.”  

Unlike previous performances held in Rose Hall, this concert took place in the Dance Choral Hall.  

“The Dance Choral Hall is a smaller venue, and we tend to put more emphasis on performing in smaller groups,” said Middle School and Upper School Orchestra Director Nick Paraskevas.  

The concert featured Baroque-style ensembles, in which groups of one to three principal instruments lead while others play supporting roles.  

“It allows musicians to engage with more challenging pieces that may not be possible in a full orchestra setting,” said orchestra member Yichen Shi. “Breaking into smaller groups enables musicians to refine their skills and grow at their own pace.”  

Practicing as a group with an emphasis on a few instruments allows for rehearsals to go more smoothly according to Paraskevas.  

“If someone has to miss class for an appointment, we can still practice and have a good rehearsal,” Paraskevas said.   

The orchestra class prepared for this concert both by rehearsing during class and studying their music outside of school.  

“It is a lot of music to learn, but we can divide the load,” said Paraskevas. “Everyone has to come to rehearsal with their part learned.”  

Paraskevas emphasized that strong teamwork within the group was essential to making this performance possible.  

“We have really good leadership throughout the group,” he said.  

Despite the challenges of preparing for a major performance, students said before the concert that they looked forward to showcasing their work.  

“I think that I am more excited than nervous for the concert because of the supportive orchestra community,” Shi said.