THE ECHO

By Nikola Meissner // Managing Editor

The dancers are stretching and swaying while the orchestra is plucking and playing, both preparing for their annual Symphony for a Dance Floor show.

With 6 different orchestras and 4 different instruments and 5 different dance classes, the players and dancers are practicing daily to prepare themselves for this show. The Symphony for a Dance Floor will take place on Oct 8. with two shows, one at 6:30 p.m. and another at 8:30 p.m.

Senior Gwen Parsons plays the viola for the Symphony Orchestra and says she is looking forward to playing in her last ever Symphony for a Dance Floor and starting off the year with a bang.

“I think the dances will be amazing,” Parsons said. “It’s just such a fun way to start off the year.”

Parsons has been playing viola with the Avon Orchestras since 6^th grade. She’s been a part of the high school’s Symphony Orchestra since freshman year. This year the Symphony Orchestra is playing three pieces, Send in the Clowns, Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings (Movement 4: Tema Russo), and Broken Medal, a piece composed by Avon’s Orchestra Director Joel Powell. This Is Powell’s first year as the orchestra director.

“Mr. Powell can be a little more strict [than Mr. Westman was] at times, but that’s how we get better!” Parsons said.

Parsons said she is also excited about the rest of the year. While she feels bittersweet about the beginning of her lasts, she is looking forward to where the year will take her.

“I feel super great about this year,” Parsons said. “Specifically, my viola section is so strong so I’m excited.”

For every last there is a first, freshman Sheila Colclasure shared she is nervous to perform in her first ever Symphony for a Dance Floor.

“I’ve never danced with live music before so I’m excited but nervous to try it.” Colclasure said.

Colclasure is dancing in two pieces, one performed by the Symphonia Orchestra and another by the Symphony Orchestra. She said both pieces have a different vibe to them, with the piece by the Symphonia Orchestra feeling slightly more upbeat and the piece by the Symphony Orchestra with a slower contemporary feel.

“I think I am most excited to perform our piece with the Symphony Orchestra because the music is much more intricate than our other piece,” Colclasure said. “So, I think it will be more interesting for the audience to watch.”.

Colclasure has been dancing since she was just 3 years old, but this is her first performance with the school dance program. She said she’s really enjoyed meeting new dancers and pushing herself with a quicker schedule than she is used to.

“The turnaround for performing is a lot quicker than it is at my dance studio,” Colclasure said. “Usually, I’d have like 5 months to practice before a public performance and for this we have 2.”

Even with the quick turnaround, Parsons and Colclasure are both ready for the show and excited to see the turnout, and they encourage everyone to come and support both programs on Oct. 8.