The Utah Symphony Orchestra at Orem High

The Utah Symphony performing in the OHS auditorium.

Orem High hosted the Utah Symphony Orchestra on September 20th and the 21st. During those days, elementary and junior high students came to watch the orchestra perform in the school’s auditorium. Different schools like Suncrest Elementary and Sharon Elementary came to participate at this event.

The purpose of the Utah Symphony coming to Orem was to introduce kids to music. During the event, students learned about rhythm and beats of different songs. The students were introduced to differents styles of music like a waltz, polka, and folk songs by listening to the Utah Symphony’s music. They listened to different pieces, which included Mozart’s “Ëine Kleine Nachtmusik”, Dvorak’s “Slavonic Dances No. 8”, Holst’s “Mars from the Planets” and many others.

The associate conductor, Dr. Rei Hotoda, conducted the orchestra and spoke to the students during the mini concert about the different styles of rhythm in music.

When asked about what she thought about the orchestra coming to Orem, she said, “I think it’s fantastic that the orchestra can come and present a wonderful concert for the students … I think it’s a wonderful way to, you know, expose the students to wonderful music.”

She had no negative comments on behalf of the program.

As well as having the orchestra perform for students, Orem High’s own orchestra got the opportunity to have the associate conductor, Dr. Rei Hotoda, come and conduct them.

Samuel Ashton, a sophomore and orchestra student, said that it was great having the Utah Symphony Orchestra come because in his opinion, the orchestra was one of the best orchestras anywhere and they were a great example of how to play well. Dr. Hotoda gave the orchestra students advice to make their music better and more at an advanced level of performance.

Orem High hopes to keep the tradition of hosting the Utah Symphony Orchestra and introducing students to music for generations to come.