Symphony orchestra members performed their annual winter concert on Wednesday at Eau Gallie High School to showcase what they have learned this semester.

Preparing for this concert has taken long hours of practice, according to freshman violinist Karina Garridolee.

“We basically prepare by practicing a lot,” Garridolee said. “We are all expected to be able to practice individually at home. It just shows you how much we have to prepare for the concert.”

Band and orchestra director Christopher Houze said this extensive preparation has paid off.

“I think that all of the ensembles have shown improvement as a result of their preparation,” Houze said.

Selecting pieces to perform at the concert can be another challenge, according to Houze.

“We began the semester reading through a lot of literature, and from those pieces we narrowed down a concert program,” Houze said. “I think that while we weren’t able to meet everyone’s needs, we selected a program that was challenging, interesting and rewarding.”

This year, Houze’s teaching duties have expanded from band to include a full symphony orchestra, which includes both wind and string instruments.

“It has been difficult to teach the fundamentals of string playing and wind playing. The needs of string players and wind players in regards to technique is quite different,” Houze said. “We do the best we can, and while the situation is not necessarily ideal, I think we are making the impossible work.”

The symphony orchestra performed with the bands last wee, while the remainder of the orchestra ensembles will perform alongside the chorus Thursday in the West Shore auditorium.

By Chloe Seifert