On April 17, 2026, the Kent School orchestra went to Six Flags to participate in a regional musical competition. This experience not only demonstrated the high performance level of the Kent School orchestra but also created an unforgettable memory. Under the leadership of Mrs. Hill, the orchestra successfully executed an excellent performance.

Before the competition, the orchestra set a clear and challenging goal. They not only wanted to focus their attention on the notes of the music, but also hoped to achieve a higher level in both grasping the audience’s attention and balancing the music to convey the composer’s and each performer’s emotions vividly. Said Mrs. Hill, their goal was to bring the music “out of the sheet,” letting the audience know what the composer was thinking. Hence, the performers were not only performing individually, but also thinking as a group.

In order to be successful in this competition, everyone needed to put in a lot of individual effort, as well as teamwork. In the weeks before the competition, the students finished their own recording assignments in order to enhance their individual skills. During weekly practice on Mondays, everyone paid attention to how to perform as a group, such as maintaining a unified tempo, improving sound quality, and expressing the music. Although they felt that some parts, such songs Wicked, needed to be played with more clarity, there was a significant improvement overall. The sound of the orchestra became more integrated, harmonious, and powerful.

Besides the music itself, this performance also helped the orchestra build a stronger sense of teamwork. Mrs. Hill emphasized the importance of setting goals together. Besides the performance, sitting on the same bus, spending the whole day together, and performing side by side made the team more cohesive.

Indeed, results are important for any kind of competition. However, for the Kent orchestra, the more important aspect is growth, connection, and a shared aspiration in music. They not only pursued high standards of musical skill but also demonstrated dedication, allowing the whole team to become more mature and unified.