Playing in Harmony: How Minnehaha Musicians Blend Individuality and Unity 

Minnehaha Academy’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble had the incredible honor of opening for the renowned Minnesota Symphonic Wind Ensemble. This event was made even more special by the unique connection between Minnehaha and the Minnesota Symphonic Wind Ensemble (MSW). Our very own band director plays in the MSW group, and every few years, we have the privilege of hosting them on our campus. The Star Tribune even featured the concert as one of the top nine free events in the Twin Cities that weekend!

We caught up with students Ezra (trombone) and Gabriela (clarinet) who shared their perspectives on the experience.  

What was the most challenging part of preparing for this performance, and how did you push yourself to overcome it?

Ezra: The most challenging part of preparing for this performance was the rigorous work ethic Ms. Hallberg and Mr. Larson called upon the students to uphold. Each class we had a new challenge - working on our tonality, practicing a piece at performance tempo, or even having sectionals were we are all allowed to dive deep into our issues within our section. The main way I pushed myself to overcome this, and I'm sure my other classmates have done similar things, is by taking my instrument out the classroom and working out the more technical parts of the piece. It has not only been extremely rewarding when I'm able to flawlessly play the hardest parts of my song, but how each of us is able to connect through the beautiful music we are creating. 

Gabriela: While preparing for this performance, I found myself struggling to stay in time with everyone else. Especially during Unidad en Ritmo, which was quite fast paced and had complex rhythms. Musician Jill Westermeyer led one of our clarinet sectionals. She helped us focus on not our individual sound, but how as a section we fit and worked together.

Music has the power to connect people. How do you think these pieces impacted your audience, your peers, or even yourself?

Ezra: Both Mr. Larson and Ms. Hallberg spend quality time finding pieces that not only sound good, but have a deeper message they are trying to get off the page and into the minds of those listening and playing them. 

Gabriela: The music we played for this concert, we also played at the MMEA Music Convention. Our theme was "Creating Harmony in a Fractured World.” I found this statement repeated throughout the months, our directors made it known that that was the message we wanted to communicate. At the concert with the Minnesota Symphonic Winds, I saw a theme of creating harmony — whether it was a composer wrestling with the balance of their culture and their music, or differences in time signature instruments played in. We both came in with a mentality of reflection and change. I myself was brought to tears during a few songs, even without words I knew the music drove to bring balance, bring about an equilibrium of respect and trust.

How has working with your fellow ensemble members shaped your experience in preparing this music? Have you learned anything new about teamwork and collaboration through this process?

Ezra: Working together with my fellow ensemble members has shaped my experience by emphasizing the importance of communication and trust. We each bring unique perspectives and talents to the table, and learning how to blend those individual strengths into a cohesive performance has been a valuable lesson in collaboration. I’ve realized how crucial it is to be both a leader and a supportive team player, allowing the group’s collective effort to elevate the music to its fullest potential.

Gabriela: It was amazing at the concert, seeing the Minnesota Symphonic Winds perform. I counted 15 clarinets, yet the entire band was in sync. Playing music definitely teaches teamwork and I felt it during the rehearsal process. The prep for this concert was grueling, but I found myself more connected with my section, with my band, than I ever have felt. “Team-building” feels like a cliché term, but I’ve found that thanks to Ms. Hallberg and Mr. Larson, the preparation for this concert has built a band centered on collaborating to make beautiful music.

Watch a brief video of the band practicing for the concert by clicking on the image above.