A letter of thanks from David Takahashi, Kentucky's representative to the 2010 National High School Honors Orchestra:
David and his teacher, Joanna Binford
Amidst the numerous delays and flight cancellations that plagued February 15th, I finally arrived in Santa Clara, California to participate in the ASTA National High School Honors Orchestra. Upon setting foot in the rehearsal room, I was whisked away to play my seating audition and ultimately sat in on the final hour of rehearsal.
The amount of talent present in the room was simply staggering, and despite the jetlag and lack of rehearsal, the orchestra was already acting as a single entity. Throughout the section, everyone was not only a fantastic soloist, but a leader as well. Under the direction of Maestro Raymond Harvey, the orchestra played Mahler's first symphony in its entirety; a nice departure from the single movement works performed in the local youth orchestra.
The week consisted of full orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, master classes and workshops, all of which were incredibly helpful in developing my skills as a musician. Throughout the week, I was able to meet musicians from across the country, who were not only talented at their respective instruments, but incredible individuals as well.
David and his mother, Linda McDanielIn what seemed like no time at all, we were preparing to play our final concert. The hour-long symphony seemed to last minutes. Among other things, I will always remember turning around to see an entire row of horn players standing up to conclude the fourth movement. The final two minutes marked the highlight of one of the greatest concerts I have been a part of, and one that I will certainly never forget.
I would like to thank the Kentucky chapter of the American String Teachers Association for their generous grant in order to help finance the trip.
Click here to view the 2010 NHSHO Concert Program (Adobe Acrobat .pdf)