Mendelssohn Octet.

Today I rediscovered the Mendelssohn Octet, not just as a piece, but as a fond memory.

The first few phrases that the radio played were unmistakable - the melody of the first violin, first part. The notes I remember from nearly four years ago, coming from a room labeled M4 in a not so prominent music wing.

I had become a member of the TJ Symphonic Orchestra right after the so called "Golden Years," but that freshmen year was still magical. Let the music cast it again.

I remember feeling outclassed left and right by the sheer caliber of the orchestra members that year. Literally half of the orchestra members were or would become "Symphonic Orchestra Legends."

I remember feeling intimidated as I was put into the first violin section from the onset. I saw the upperclassmen around me and the "Legends" up front and I wondered if I'd ever get the chance to sit there, if I'd be able to make a name for myself here.

I remember practicing the Mendelssohn Octet, and in the process learned to take pride in the Orchestra.
The two-person bass section that had no trouble making its voice heard.
The massive cello section that function as one, learning difficult passages on sight and head-bobbing in unison.
The impassioned viola section that had members with god-mode switches at their disposal.
The violin sections that knew no technical limits.
And of course Ms. Bailey, our never-tiring and always inspiring conductor.

And the Octet struck it all home. Even divided into eight sections, coordination seemed to be a given. Melodies, runs, and one-note effects were thrown, received, and passed on all around the orchestra like a wind. And we smiled and laughed at how we looked as we played, truly enjoying the music.

Festival came. We performed our best and time on stage flew. I remember no mistakes. We hit the last note and flung our bows into the air. Hold. Wait. Rest. Stand. Bow.

The entire judging panel gave us a standing ovation. That performance immediately became a TJ Orchestra Legend.

I had never before felt so proud to be a part of an orchestra than I was at that moment. I had found the place I wanted to be, and since then never once doubted my commitment to four years of Symphonic.


It's kind of late, but I want to say now that I truly miss the years I spent in TJ Symphonic Orchestra. Those were some of the fondest and happiest high school experiences I ever had the fortune to experience, and they can't simply be replaced by joining another orchestra.