Program Expansion
Pine Creek currently has two orchestras, one auditioned (Chamber Orchestra) and the other non-auditioned (String Orchestra). For the 2024-2025 school year, Pine Creek will expand its orchestral program and add a third orchestra!
Reflections on Chamber Orchestra from Rahael Valencia
"I love it!" exclaimed Rahael Valencia ('24), who plays violin, said the program. Rahael moved to Colorado two years ago and was specifically attracted to Pine Creek due to the opportunities available though its orchestral program.
During her time as an eagle, Rahael has enjoyed Ms. Margrave's teaching style as well as the rigor of the music selected for the Chamber Orchestra. "Ms. Margrave gives us really hard pieces, but she knows that we're capable," she said.
What was one of the best parts of being in Chamber Orchestra for Rahael? "Being able to compete!" she said. "Not a lot of schools are able to compete at the level we do."
This year Pine Creek's Chamber orchestra qualified to play at the Colorado ASTA (American String Teachers Association) State Festival for the second time in a row! The group's diligence to mastery of individual craftsmanship in tandem with a commitment to cohesion was evident not only to the audience, but also to the judges from whom they received the highest rating possible: A Superior.
Reflections on Chamber Orchestra from Emma Wilhelm
Emma Wilhelm ('24) first connected with Pine Creek's orchestra in 8th grade, before the opportunity for students to play as a part of D20 middle school orchestral program existed. She took a brief detour in 10th grade and decided to give playing alto saxophone in jazz band a try, but ultimately returned to playing violin in the Chamber Orchestra. "I really love these people!" Emma said of the group.
In addition to valuing her classmates, Emma has also appreciated Ms. Margrave's leadership. "She's been so formative to me as a person!" Emma reflected. "She's taught me how to have a positive attitude about life and really appreciate people for who they are, and I'm just so grateful for that."
Congratulations, Seniors, and Thank You!
Seniors - Thank you for elevating orchestral music at Pine Creek High School! Programs do not continue to expand without a commitment to excellence, and you have demonstrated a level of passion beyond words.
Leah Fox
Brendon Palmer
Erin Park
William Reinhart
Rahael Valencia
Emma Wilhelm
Concert Program
String Orchestra
"Escape the Lost City" by Alan Lee Silva
"Furusato (My Hometown)" by Teiichi Okano, arranged by Yukiko Nishimura
"Blue Ridge Reel" by Brian Balmages
Chamber Orchestra
"Hungarian Dance No 1" by Johannes Brahms, arranged by Brahms and Stroud
"Rest" by Frank Ticheli
"Beauty and the Beast" by Ashman/Menken, arr. Calvin Custer
"St. Paul's Suite" by Gustav Holst -
I. Jig
II. Ostinato
III. Intermezzo
IV. Finale (The Dargason)
