Murrieta Mesa Orchestra Students Learn From Pros

They split up into small groups, receiving one-on-one instruction, then came together stronger in the end.

Sounds of the orchestra crescendoed while the bustle of the high school campus rose and fell just outside the classroom walls. The orchestra students had just finished up an hour-and-a-half long training session with members of the

"We try to get them in here every month or so, depending on their availability," said Tom Garvin, band and orchestra director at Murrieta Mesa.

The high school is the only in the district with an orchestra program, and one of two in Southwest Riverside, along with Chaparral High School.

"We opened with that mission--to provide a full band and orchestra program. Despite the odds, we are sticking with it."

The district purchased the instruments for the high school when it opened three years ago. Garvin said the orchestra has grown each year, and now 90 percent of the instruments are in use.

The Inland Valley Symphony, which performs in the school's Gershwin Performing Arts Center, sees the partnership only flourishing.

"We would like to continue assisting the MMHS orchestra to develop but we would also like to be involved with other schools in the area to assist them with starting beginning string programs," said Alana Joos, president of the board of directors for IVS. "Most schools have band and marching band but school orchestras are rare or non-existent.

"Pop culture is the norm but classical music is a large part of the world's music history. Not only is classical music beautifully complex but it requires deep concentration and study. Performing in a symphony orchestra teaches focus, practice, dedication and teamwork which are valuable qualities to teach our young people," Joos said.

"Violin is a difficult instrument and should be started in the third grade in order to give children a chance to learn how to play in an orchestra setting. The MMHS program was started at the High School level," Joos explained.

"But we would like to focus on starting string music programs at the elementary and middle school levels that would then feed into the various high schools such as MMHS. This would be one of the most important goals we can set for the community."

The students are grateful for the opportunity, and the orchestra attracts a diverse group of students.

It has given junior Rosie Wilkins a chance to switch from flute to to cello, which she did in her freshman year.

For Jamie Reynolds, 17, who is blind, it gives her a chance to go back to something she did as a child in China: play the violin. Jamie's instructional aide, Debbie Oleksiak, transfers the sheet music into braille format. Jamie follows along with one hand on the notes and one hand on the violin.

"The memorization part is hard," Jamie confessed. "But I enjoying being here."

Inland Valley Sypmphony member Anthony Valle, 20, is not much older than many of the students. He was volunteering his time with the cellists during the recent session.

Valle is a product of the Chaparral High School orchestra. He's on a break from attending California State University, Long Beach, and is glad to be back in the area helping further the arts.

"This is important to me," Valle said. "I have been playing cello for nine years. I have been places with my music. I can share that with them."

Hear the Murrieta Mesa orchestra in action at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Gerswhin Performing Arts Center, 24801 Monroe Ave. Email tgarvin@murrieta.k12.ca.us for more information.