Orchestra has been something people have enjoyed for a long time. Audiences love listening to the amazing sounds that instruments can create. This appreciation continues today and has become even more common, especially with orchestra now offered as a course in many high schools. At Shadow Ridge, students have the opportunity to play and perform music. Shadow Ridge’s most advanced group is the Chamber Orchestra, directed by Mr. Richards. This year, the Chamber Orchestra had the incredible opportunity to record two of their pieces at the PBS recording studio.
Richards said, “The orchestra spent several weeks rehearsing the pieces, focusing on tone quality, balance, and musical expression.” He continued, “We ran detailed sectionals, worked through challenging passages, and spent time polishing dynamics and articulation. Students also practiced independently to make sure they came in confident and performance-ready. By the time we arrived at the studio, they knew exactly what they needed to do.”
Like anything in life, playing an instrument takes hard work, time, and dedication and the students in the Shadow Ridge Orchestra certainly have all three. For many of them, this was their first time recording professionally, and most said they enjoyed the experience.
Sophomore Anna Scow shared her thoughts: “I felt a little bit more pressure because any mistakes I made people would be able to see, but mostly it was just a really cool experience to be a part of something that lasts forever.”
Most Chamber members have been playing their instruments for years, and experiences like this help make the orchestra feel even more real. Several students said that being under pressure was actually helpful. It pushed them to grow not only musically but also as performers recognized within the community.
Richards stated, “Opportunities like this bring visibility to our program and showcase the talent and dedication of our students. When the community sees what our musicians are capable of, it helps build pride, support, and interest in joining the orchestra. These experiences also reinforce a culture of excellence and motivate students to reach higher.”
Scow added, “I really enjoyed seeing all the radio stuff and cameras on the set because it felt so professional and cool. Also, being able to do it with friends made it a better experience.”
Richards shared similar thoughts, saying, “Recording in a professional environment gave students a unique and valuable perspective.” He continued, “They learned the importance of precision, active listening, and maintaining focus under pressure. It also helped them understand how their individual part contributes to the ensemble as a whole. Overall, the experience elevated their musicianship and gave them a deeper appreciation for the preparation that goes into creating a high-quality performance.”
Overall, the recording experience was exciting and meaningful for the members of the Shadow Ridge Chamber Orchestra, especially for those who had never recorded professionally before. It was an unforgettable opportunity that allowed students to grow and experience music in a whole new way.
Their recordings will be broadcasted on Vegaspbs.org/studentspotlight on 12/8 at 7:30 pm, 12/10 at 4 am, 12/11 at 1 pm, 12/12 at 8 pm, 12/14 at 4:30 pm, 12/16 at 10:30 pm, 12/22 at 7:30 pm, 12/22 at 11:30 pm, 12/25 at 2:30 pm!
