Sound fills the room as musicians participate in the timeless ritual that is tuning, their notes combining into one steady stream of pleasing sound. As they finish the timeless ritual, the musicians look down at their sheet music and eagerly wait for the performance to begin.
On February 22, 2014, Alex Magee ‘15, along with every student accepted into the TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) regional orchestra, performed for an eager crowd of parents and listeners. Magee, who was recently honored for his participation in the Ursuline Jesuit Chamber Orchestra at Junior Convocation, participated in regional orchestra for the second year in a row.
TMEA divides Texas into seven areas, each consisting of four regions. Each year, students must apply to their assigned regional orchestra by submitting a recording. Magee submitted his audition before the deadline of January 21, 2014. After he was accepted into the region 20 orchestra, he began practicing with other students.
The regional orchestra practiced diligently in order to be fully prepared for the performance on February 22. Commenting on the cooperative nature, Magee states, “I had a fun time learning the music and playing with a new group of people.” The students practiced individually and as a group until February 21, when the entire orchestra practiced for the entire day.
On February 22, 2013, the region 20 orchestra members demonstrated the results of their hard work and dedication in the final performance. Michael Grinnell, an experience violinist and member of TMEA, conducted the orchestra. The performance was a success due to the amount of skill and dedication present in the orchestra.
Regional Orchestra provides not only a way to meet new people, but also an opportunity for musicians to refine their skills. Magee urges “more guys from orchestra to audition” next year in order to partake in this unique opportunity. As TMEA states, it “offers professional development opportunities for its members” through many programs, including the regional orchestras. Any aspiring musician should not miss these annual opportunities.
Don’t forget to support Jesuit’s orchestra students and encourage them to go further in their pursuits of musical excellence.
