On Saturday, December 17^th, the chamber orchestra of North Hills was invited to play a few of their well-rehearsed pieces for the shoppers at the Block. As they took their seats in front of the crowd of anticipation, Mr. Ballentine began his famous speech of hard-work and recognition. They then opened with a holiday classic that is performed every year, “Linus and Lucy.”

This was followed by a few more of their holiday tunes such as, “Trepak” from the Nutcracker Suite, “Frosty the Snowman,” and “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree.” They also performed, for the last time, their version of “St. Paul’s Suite,” and their favorite piece, “Today,” by Robert Gardner.

Rebecca Yu, a sophomore violinist said, “Although this is our last concert performing a piece we’ve all worked really hard on, I know that we all can’t wait to move on to “Libertango,” which sounds so upbeat and saucy,” She laughed. “I hope St. Paul’s encouraged many, but I really feel ready that we can move onto bigger and better things. Hopefully everyone else feels the same and is willing to put in a lot of effort to make it sound as good as St. Paul’s did.”

Later in the year, the students in Chamber orchestra will be attending a clinic with Hampton’s orchestra to do a combined concert with Robert Gardner leading them collectively in “Today.” North Hills’ Chamber Orchestra is looking forward to being invited to be a part of such an amazing opportunity.