Musicians prepare for All-County Orchestra concert

Senior Marissa Scalise will soon take the stage at the King Center for the last time as a participant in the annual All-County Orchestra concert. All-County Orchestra consists of the best musicians in Brevard, who join together to play challenging repertoire.

“I’ve been in All-County in eighth grade, and then all four years of high school,” said Scalise, who plays violin. “I’m kind of sad that this is my last year, but I’m excited also for the fun final experience.”

High School Orchestra will be playing “Academic Festival Overture” by Brahms, “Tribute” by James Grant, and “The Firebird Suite” by Stravinsky.

“In All-County, the music is way harder, and more challenging,” Scalise said. “It’s really cool to see how we can pull three really difficult pieces together so quickly in just one weekend.”

Freshman Abby Goodman also was selected for All-County Orchestra and will be playing first violin.

“This is my third time in All-County,” Goodman said. “But this is my first time in High School Orchestra.”

Last year, Goodman was concertmaster of the All-County middle-school orchestra, and said she now looks forward to playing with older students.

“There’s definitely more competition in High School Orchestra,” she said. “All of the good violinists in the county are in the first violin section, and most of them are juniors and seniors.”

Goodman has practiced the high level music since December.

“I’ve been practicing my music a lot, in order to get a good chair.” Goodman said. “I just don’t want to be last chair.”

All-County allows students with similar interests from other schools to interact with each other.

“I made a good friend last year, my stand partner,” Goodman said. “She is coming back this year and is also in the first violin section. I’m looking forward to seeing her again.”

By Haley Alvarez-Lauto