Everyone knows that music makes the holiday season feel merry and bright. Whether it’s Mariah Carey or Bruce Springsteen, songs about snow and ho-ho-ho’s are almost guaranteed to put people in a giving mood. However, holiday music doesn’t have to have words to convey its cheerful message. That’s why this holiday season, the Spartanburg High string orchestras led by instructors Helen Tipton and Jeff Kuntz will be sharing music through different events hosted both at Spartanburg High School and other places around Spartanburg.
Elizabeth Gibson (12) has been in orchestra for eight years, and she performed at the McCarthy Teszler School last year with the Chamber Orchestra.
“I enjoyed getting to see all the kids dancing and singing along with the Christmas music at McCarthy Teszler,” Gibson said.
On Nov. 17 and 18, Spartanburg High School hosted the South Carolina Music Educators’ Association Region 1 Orchestra event. During these two days, cellists, violinists, violists and double bassists from the upstate region of South Carolina gathered at SHS to rehearse and prepare three different concerts. Three different orchestras played at this event, including an orchestra with 6th-8th graders, 9th-10th graders, and 11th-12th graders.
Jayden Band (11) was selected as the fifth chair cellist in the 11-12 orchestra. He has been playing cello for 10 years.
“I enjoy playing in orchestra because my fellow musicians and I are able to share our talents with anyone who wants to listen. I am happy that Region is at our school this year because I don’t have to drive as far and I can sleep in this year,” Band said.
Musicians auditioned at Dorman High School for a chance to participate in the prestigious program, and many District 7 orchestra students participated in the event. In total, 22 McCracken Middle School students and 14 Spartanburg High School students successfully auditioned.
Along with the large District 7 participation in Region Orchestra, Viking Orchestra students showcased their talents through a Christmas concert on Dec. 7 and a performance for special education students at the McCarthy Teszler School.
Jeff Kuntz, the Symphony and Chamber Orchestra director, enjoys taking his students to McCarthy Teszler to spread holiday cheer.
“Over a dozen years ago, I began what has become a December tradition within the SHS Symphony or Chamber Orchestras. The students take a field trip over to the McCarthy Teszler School and play a holiday concert for their staff and students,” Kuntz said. “The teachers and staff at McCarthy Teszler have hearts as big as Christmas, so it is both an honor and a joy to perform Christmas music for them each year,” Kuntz said.
