Chair tests for all three orchestras began on Sept. 25 and lasted for a week. Many students have found orchestra to be a place where they can relax, express themselves, and interact with each other through music, but auditions have long been considered stressful.

“I felt nervous just because it was my first chair test at Westwood in front of Mrs. Williams, but I was also excited at the same time,” Austin Chung ‘19 said.

Although this is her second year in the orchestra program, Katherine Hsu ‘18 also felt the pressure of doing well and meeting her expectations.

“I thought I wasn’t playing my best during the chair test, and I felt kind of nervous,” Hsu said.  “I actually don’t really remember what was going through my head when I was playing; I think it’s because of nerves. There was one part where my notes were unclear and I sort of panicked.”

Despite the nerve-wracking tension, however, solid preparation and effort helped boost players’ confidence.

“I felt pretty prepared,” Jack Zeitz ‘16 said. “While I was playing, I just felt like I did in class. Nothing seemed to change.”

Most of the students were relieved and content with the new arrangements, which were posted in the orchestra hall after school in a timely fashion.

“I am satisfied with my results,” Caelin Bird ‘18 said.  “I felt like I did the best I could with my audition, and I am happy with the chair I am in.”

Others, though pleased with the outcome, aim to achieve a higher chair and perform even better in future chair tests.

“I expect to improve even more,” Bird said. “I will continue practicing and performing to put my best self forward.”

The Orchestra Fall Concert will be held at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Oct. 7.

Contributions by Julie Kim