Orchestra students represent NPHS at Southern California CODA Competition
Last weekend, NPHS orchestra students took over Santa Monica High School on Sept. 1 and Sept. 2 to audition for a chance to be in the Southern California Honor orchestra. The competition was organized under California Orchestra Directors Association, otherwise known as CODA. High school orchestra students from all over Southern California came to compete in this competition. Kaitlyn Hahn, sophomore, and Owen Boyd, junior, received acceptances into the orchestra.
The competition was split into two parts; first, students submitted an audition tape, and then they went to Santa Monica for a live performance audition.
Playing String Orchestra for three years now, Hahn was not nervous when she submitted her taped audition. She was ecstatic to find out she made it into the honor orchestra.
“Just being accepted into the Honor Orchestra is a very honorable title, and it’s great that we can represent our school as well,” Hahn said.
Boyd has been playing orchestra and taking bass lessons since he was 9 years old. Just like Hahn, Body felt confident in submitting his auditioned tape.
Not only did Boyd win the Honor Orchestra for Southern California, but he also won first chair for principle base, meaning he was given a state-wide orchestra position.
Eric Hsu, senior, submitted his audition recording, playing violin, but was unable to make the live performance in Santa Monica. Although this was his second time auditioning for the Honor Orchestra, Hsu still gets a little nervous.
“It is a little nerve-racking when you are submitting your audition tape, but it also does feel exciting,” Hsu said.
Hahn and Boyd agree that orchestra is very competitive, but the feeling at the end of a performance is the most rewarding for them.
“Orchestra has had a large influence over me; not only have I grown as a player, but I have also grown as a person.” Boyd said.
