On a calm and clear Friday evening, the orchestra held their annual Oktoberfest before the homecoming football game. Besides providing music and food, Oktoberfest raises money for more concerts and professionals, such as conductors, to come and speak to the students. The orchestra played every morning in the front hallway the week before to advertise the event. Oktoberfest was a way for students and parents to get excited for the homecoming football game.
“It is just pregame for the homecoming [football game] where people can have a good time and hang out with their friends,” senior Landon Callihan said.
In preparation for the performance, the orchestra followed a rigorous practice schedule.
“We start practicing right at the beginning of the year, plus practice at home, and a little before school,” senior Matt Posladek said.
While they do not play traditional German music, the orchestra keeps some German traditions alive by serving dishes such as sauerkraut and potato salad.
“The German festivities do not really apply anymore. I really just want people to hear the orchestra,” orchestra director Jonathan Wiebe said.
Oktoberfest has always been something orchestra students look forward to.
“I really like the food and songs that they picked, and playing [this] music is just really fun,” junior Madison Williams said.
Playing in front of crowds is not as nerve wracking as one might think it would be.
“You do not get nervous playing in front of crowds,” Williams said. “There is no pressure in messing up because if everyone else is playing well then making a couple mistakes will not throw anybody off and no one will hear you.”
The set list for Oktoberfest was picked from songs the orchestra started performing last school year, including the final two pieces played at Oktoberfest, “American Reel” by Kurt Mosier, and “Hoedown from Rodeo” by Aaron Copland.
More opportunities to catch the orchestra in action include the Fall Concert Light Show, where they tie lights to their bows and turn out the lights Oct. 26, and the Pops Concert, which is primarily pop music, Dec. 6.
Oktoberfest is also a good way for everyone to see the orchestra and enjoy the fruits of their hard work.
“You can’t not see Oktoberfest when you walk into the stadium,” Posladek said. “We just hope people hear us.”