CBy Jack Hardy ’18

Chaminade High School’s incredibly talented string orchestra had a unique opportunity on Friday, October 9.  During a morning assembly, Chaminade’s string orchestra met with fellow musicians from the University of Dayton Orchestra  in Darby Auditorium.  There was not much time for extended greetings as the two groups performed a short concert together for Chaminade’s freshman and senior classes.

The University of Dayton Orchestra began the concert by playing five pieces under the leadership of conductor Mr. Patrick Reynolds.  This segment of the concert was followed by a collaborative performance from both Chaminade High School and the University of Dayton.

Conducted by Mrs. Sally Zehnter, the musicians from Chaminade were positioned toward the middle of the stage, and Dayton’s performers sat around the Chaminade Flyers.  This seating arrangement allowed for Dayton’s more experienced players to act as the bass and help produce a crisp sound across the Darby Auditorium.  The combined orchestras performed pieces by Vivaldi, Van Morrison’s “Gloria,” Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” and a medley from The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.  Both groups of Flyers proved the depth of their talent with an extremely strong performance.

Michael Tsui ’18, a violinist in Chaminade’s string orchestra, said, “Playing with Dayton was an honor.  It’s truly special when two orchestras from completely different places play together when they’ve never practiced with each other before.”

The concert was a great success with both students and faculty enjoying the performance.  Members of Chaminade’s orchestra are looking forward to hosting players from the University of Dayton Orchestra again next year.