Here we have an article on the Merrin School orchestra.

I started playing the Cello 5 years ago, and not long after, I joined the school orchestra later that year. I have been going ever since. 

I enjoy orchestra for so many reasons. I have been playing with some of the other musicians since I started, so it is really fun playing with friends. 

Secondly, the music. Guy de Lacey (the conductor) has such an amazing selection of music that only now we are starting to play a few of the same songs again. These vary from theme songs to classics, like ‘The Seasons.’ A few of my favourites are the ‘Star Wars theme’; ‘Mission: Impossible Theme’; ‘Jupiter’ from the planets; and ‘The Sound Of Silence.’

Once I started in the Merrin orchestra, I learnt so much! I was able to sight-read, follow with the rest of the orchestra and my timing has become much better. Because of everything I learnt, I decided to have a go in JSO (Junior Symphony Orchestra) with the Christchurch School Of Music (CSM). Another thing that I improved on was my dance (I don’t do jazz anymore, this was when I was in Year 3&4). My timing was 1000% better.

I think that anyone who plays an instrument or sings is amazing. It takes years of practise, but the hard work will pay off.

By Annabelle