Louise Gregg

Raymore Peculiar High School has a new auditioned orchestra class for the advanced players, thanks to the success and growth of the program. Senior Tyler Gooch has been playing the violin since the 5th grade and has seen first hand the growth of the program. This is Gooch’s fourth consecutive year in the high school orchestra program. Gooch is a member of the first ever auditioned class.
The new class offers new opportunities for the advanced players. Gooch touches on these opportunities.
“It feels great to be in the new class! Our music is way more advanced, and we don’t have to deal with people who don’t dedicate as much time to their instruments,” said Gooch.
Orchestra was brought to the school district in 2019, and just five years later it now has two different classes. There are many ways to make music. But for Gooch, the best way to do it is with his violin.
“I’m really into music, I like music and now I have the opportunity to make it,” said Gooch.
It’s hard to get a new program started and keep it going, but Gooch feels that the approach the orchestra program has taken is working very well. Gooch now touches on how the orchestra program has branched across schools,
“With the freshman center, and introducing it at the middle school, it gives more people the opportunity to join it sooner,” said Gooch.
However, Gooch recognizes that there are some disadvantages to the new program and explains some of his concerns.
“With the split, the advanced group isn’t as big as we would like it to be, and we don’t have enough people to play certain parts.” As the program continues to grow, hopefully this won’t be a continuing issue.
It is clear the school’s orchestra program has come a long way since it was first introduced. New programs allow for more individuals to get more involved with the school. And new programs make everyone feel included. The first full orchestra concert is on October 10th. Show up to support the program at 7 PM in the new performing arts center!