The Port Townsend High School Orchestra recently returned from a five-day trip that included stops at the University of Oregon, San Francisco and Santa Clara.
On their way to California, the 40 …
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Port Townsend High School Orchestra students stop for a photo in front of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The students recently returned from a trip that included a music competition, symphony concerts and a visit to California's Great America theme park. The trip was made possible through various fundraising events and local support. Courtesy photo
The Port Townsend High School Orchestra recently returned from a five-day trip that included stops at the University of Oregon, San Francisco and Santa Clara.
On their way to California, the 40 students and seven adults stopped at the University of Oregon for a music clinic conducted by Evan Harger, associate conductor of the university's School of Music, and also received instruction from two members of the string faculty, violin professor Fritz Gearhart and cello professor Steven Pologe.
“Going to the University of Oregon was absolutely amazing … the clinicians are incredibly talented,” said PTHS sophomore Tuula Morley in a press release.
The trip then took the students to San Francisco, which included a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, sightseeing and a special tour of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. They concluded their time in the city by attending a performance by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra at the Davies Symphony Hall.
From there, the orchestra traveled to Santa Clara to participate in a music competition sponsored by Music in the Parks, where it was awarded a “superior” rating of 1 by the judges, in a 1-5 rating scale.
Daniel Ferland, PTHS orchestra director, said he was “so thrilled that the students’ hard work was recognized; they really stepped up to the plate after such a long trip and turned in an awesome performance.”
The trip concluded with a little fun time at California’s Great America theme park before the long bus ride home.
“The experience was something I will never forget and the last day at the amusement park was one of the best ever,” said sophomore Hannah Marx.
The students and parents begin raising funds for the trip this past summer by busking in groups downtown. They also organized several fundraisers during the year, including holding a fish-fry dinner, doing odd jobs for local residents and even selling mattresses.
They also got help from some area businesses, such as Safeway, as well as the Port Townsend Community Orchestra.
“The parents, the PTHS administration (Carrie Ehrhardt and Scott Wilson) and the community really made this trip a reality for our students,” said Ferland.
“We couldn’t be more happy for all the support we have received.”
The orchestra is now preparing for its spring concert, which is to feature solo performances by the seven graduating seniors in the orchestra.
The concert is set for 7 p.m., Thursday June 2 at the PTHS auditorium.
