Seniors Perform Final Concert

On Tuesday, May 19, West Ranch High School hosted its 2015 Spring Concert. At this event, seniors in Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra performed their last concert of the year. It was bittersweet for seniors, and they shared their past experiences and future plans for further advancement in the music field.

Throughout the years, West Ranch students have learned the value of commitment and team spirit.

“The music program at West Ranch was like my family for the past four years. I made tons of new friends and learned a lot about work ethic both in class and outside of class. I’m really thankful for the music program here because I was able to participate in different ensembles such as the full orchestra and the flute quartet that other high schools do not have. I probably wouldn’t be the same person I am today without the music program,” Hannah Chong, a senior, told JSR in an interview.

According to senior musician Ann Yoo, music programs have been helpful in other academic subjects.

“I think [the music program] helped me with building time management skills. All the practices and rehearsals I had everyday were definitely challenging with AP classes and honor courses but it was worth it at the end and it influenced me to become a better musician,” said Yoo.

Senior Andrew Arcilla told JSR, “There is definitely a sense of sadness because it’s all over. But for the most part, I’m glad with everything I’ve been able to do with the program. I feel like I got everything out of the program… and I was also able give back to it.”

Archilla, like many other graduates, hopes to continue pursuing music at higher education levels.

Arcilla continued, “The college that I am going to doesn’t have a band. However, after talking to my counselors, they asked me to see if I can help collaborate with another student who’s currently there to help create a band club. It’s hard for me to imagine myself spending all this time and effort into learning my instrument, and not being able to do it later on in life. So I am definitely [going] to help create the band.”

“I think it is wonderful that West Ranch’s Music Program continues to perform not only for the competitions, but also for students and parents at the school’s Performing Arts Center,” said Marin Patag, a parent who attended Spring Concert, during an interview with JSR.

Good luck to all seniors who will be pursuing their goals as they head to college.