The Solon High School Sinfonia is an audition based orchestra class guided by Gerald MacDougall. The ensemble participates in statewide competition. Sophomore Julia Lee, violinist, describes the tight-knit ensemble of 47 musicians, combined with high-level pieces of music with a community bond built since the fifth grade in the interview below.

Q: What makes Sinforia so special to be in?

A: You get to play more challenging music with people who are at your level. For those who love music, it is more enriching than being in the other orchestras.

Q: What is the process like from when you first get your new music to the music being concert ready?

A: When we first receive new music, we usually start by sight reading it together to understand how it sounds. After practicing individually at home, the group rehearses together to focus on rhythms, notes and dynamics until the piece is polished for a concert.

Q: Besides playing their own instruments, what other cool jobs or roles can students take on within the orchestra?

A: Students can be president, which is a spokesperson role, or [be] vice president. There is also a secretary/treasurer who documents activities, keeps receipts and tracks money and volunteering.

Q: In the Orchestra, do you have student leaders?

A: There is a first violin leader, known as the concertmaster, as well as second violin, viola, cello and bass sections.

Q: What do they do to help the group ready to perform?

A: Section leaders hold sectionals to help their peers with fingerings and provide feedback on how to improve sounds.

Q: What kind of trips or special events does the orchestra go on?

A: Once every two years, the group travels to Cedar Point. We perform for thirty minutes to an hour in the middle of the park before spending the rest of the day on the rides. The orchestra also participates in state competitions and performs at local venues.

Q: What is one thing people might be surprised to hear about this orchestra?

A: [It’s] a tight-knit community because we have grown-up together since fifth grade. Additionally, the Sinfonia teacher, Mr. MacDougall gets to know every student very well.

Q: What is the secret to getting everyone to start and stop playing at the exact same millisecond?

A: Everyone must watch Mr. MacDougall’s cues and breathe together, focusing specifically on entrances and cutoffs of each piece.

Q: If someone was on the fence about joining this orchestra, what would be one thing you would say to them?

A: Even though the orchestra is fun, there are days when you may not play and instead have a study hall. However, you get to know many people and make friends. For those who want to major in music, the class offers significant growth and exposure, and Mr. MacDougall is an excellent teacher.

If you would like to see the Solon High School Sinfonia Orchestra perform, there will be an assembly on Feb. 20 at the end of the day. They also have their next concert is Feb. 26 from 7-7:30 p.m.