Inside The Lives of The Orchestra Students at Hillgrove By: Audrey Rubach

The journey of an orchestra student is complex and rewarding. The skills required to play with precision and focus while also being able to balance with other interests are skills that are transferable to many aspects of life. An orchestra is a place where music comes to life, but also a place where students can feel like they belong. The Hillgrove Orchestra brings community to all that are a part of the program. Hillgrove sophomore orchestra student Kessa Chatterjee explained how she feels about being a part of the program. “I think being in orchestra is really nice. It's really beneficial in ways that aren't just musical.”

Anita Sommer from San Ramon Academy of Music describes the benefits to life from being a member of orchestra, “These skills extend beyond the rehearsal room and can positively impact various aspects of life, such as academics, careers, and personal relationships.” Hillgrove sophomore orchestra student Kessa Chatterjee shared the skills she believes she has gained from the orchestra program. “I'm really good with, like, counting and, like, rhythm. And, like, I'm very hands on because of orchestra, and it made me kind of ambidextrous, so that's pretty cool.”

Orchestra class can offer a place of refuge to students by providing a space that feels safe. Hillgrove senior orchestra student Eston Chatterjee stated how orchestra is a safe place for a break, “To me, music feels sort of like a break in life, just being able to experience music and not really having to think about much else.” Orchestra students work together to create a unified sound and the orchestra provides a space where students can build relationships, teamwork skills, and feel a sense of belonging.

The Hillgrove Orchestra experience can be both challenging and rewarding. Students a part of the program gain important skills but also a sense of community and belonging.