On Saturday, November 8, members of Viewpoint’s Upper School Orchestra traveled to Chapman University to take part in the first-ever Chamber Music and Orchestra Festival. Viewpoint was one of only five programs invited to participate, a meaningful recognition for an orchestra that proudly welcomes any Upper School student who plays a string instrument.

“Being included in the same category as those schools was a big deal,” said Dr. Kristin Herkstroeter, Music Department Chair. “It was a really great experience, and a wonderful opportunity for our students to hear college students and professionals perform.”

The day opened with chamber music master classes, where Viewpoint’s Upper School string quartet worked with Chapman’s cello and violin professors while the rest of the group observed. Students then enjoyed performances by Chapman’s student string quartet and a recital by the violin and cello professors.

After lunch, the Viewpoint Orchestra rehearsed with Chapman’s Orchestra Director, Dr. Danko Drusko, took a short tour,and then headed to the renovated Musco Center for the Arts for the festival finale. More than 100 musicians, including high school ensembles, youth orchestra members, and Chapman students, performed movements from Grieg’s Holberg Suite and Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings. Viewpoint also performed Mock Morris earlier in the day, and the string quartet prepared a chamber piece they will perform again at the upcoming Strings Concert in December.

“When the full group of 100 string players began rehearsing, I remember thinking, ‘Wow, that’s a gorgeous sound,’” Dr. Herkstroeter said. “Everything just fell into place, and the students adjusted really well to a completely different environment.”

For many students, this was their first visit to Chapman. They enjoyed meeting other musicians, exploring backstage areas rarely seen in their own performance spaces, and experiencing what participating in music at the college level can look like.

“I hope students came away knowing that you don’t have to be a music major to keep playing in college,” Dr. Herkstroeter added. “Professors are happy to support anyone who wants to continue making music.”