Category: Student Spotlights

Senior Spotlights: Colleen Sherry and Misha Somogyi

Colleen Sherry (left) and Misha Somogyi (right)

Colleen Sherry (viola):

Favorite memory: Visiting Doc’s farm for the picnic my freshman year (and getting to meet his chickens!)

What I love about LHS Orchestra: It’s not only a break from the rest of your conventional classes during the day, but orchestra also allows you to explore new music and be creative in a way you might not have known before.

Words of wisdom: Passion fuels achievement. Especially in high school, don’t try and do something if you’re not passionate and devoted to it—you’ll be much happier, I promise.

Misha Somogyi (cello):

Favorite memory: My greatest memory from Langley Orchestra has to be the trip we took to Austria and Hungary. I had a lot of fun getting to know other students on the trip, especially the Seniors at that time. Orchestra trips are a lot of fun! There wasn’t a day on the trip that wasn’t fantastic.

What I love about LHS Orchestra: I love the sense of community and family, and how no matter what grade you’re in, you’re a musician and that is what matters. Doc’s cheerfulness brings everyone together and I’ve always appreciated his willingness to make it known that Langley Orchestra is just one big family drawn together by music.

Words of wisdom: If you feel like you’re not involved or not a part of the picture, it’s probably because you’re not. Don’t be afraid to try new things, talk to Doc, volunteer, and meet new people. The orchestra trips were a great way for me to network and meet with others outside of my friend group and others in my class. Standing up on stage and saying something in Hungarian at one of the concerts allowed me to feel more confident and involved. Bottom line, Orchestra is an experience that one should never take for granted.

Senior Spotlights: Olivia Kim and Arna Bhardwaj

Olivia Kim (left) and Arna Bhardwaj (right)

Olivia Kim (violin):

Favorite memory: One of my favorite memories was running through the aisles in banana costumes during the Halloween concert, but I also love the little moments like hanging out in the back room before and after class.

What I love about LHS Orchestra: I love how Langley Orchestra has allowed me to meet people that I wouldn’t have otherwise, as well as the slight rush and panic that comes when you find out you have a sectional with Dr. Lee.

Words of wisdom: Be carefree, have fun, and make memories worth remembering ten years from now. Most importantly, in the Orchestra room, Canada is superior.

Arna Bhardwaj (violin):

Favorite memory: Eating tons of cookies with my friends on the concert days.

What I love about LHS Orchestra: The sense of community the orchestra has and how it is an organization that brings together people who all share the same interest in making music.

Words of wisdom: Make sure to practice!!!

Senior Spotlights: Francisco Yang and Riker Wilson

Francisco Yang (left) and Riker Wilson (right)

Francisco Yang (cello):

Favorite memory: The bus ride to Toronto was definitely a good orchestra experience with lots of fun.

What I love about LHS Orchestra: Performing music, talking with friends. A class where I can relax and still learn something.

Words of wisdom: Just have fun and participate in some orchestra trips when you can. Great experience.

Riker Wilson (cello):

Favorite memory: Stressing out 2 days before the November recording release and my files were all messed up but thankfully it all worked out. Also, sweating profusely when we dressed up as gorillas during the Halloween concert last year was super fun.

What I love about LHS Orchestra: I love that Doc isn’t afraid to let his students take charge a bit. He’s a go with the flow kinda guy which is just what an orchestra needs.

Words of wisdom: If you have a good idea, Doc will almost certainly green light it. You just gotta ask.