Orchestra will perform its spring show May 8 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. The concert will feature an orchestra composed only of seniors and will close with a new version of the alma mater for the first time ever. 

“The spring show is a celebration of the entire school year [and] their entire musical journey,” orchestra director Matthew Cautivar said. “We want it to be special, not only [for] the students on stage, but also the parents that have supported them over [the] years.”

The senior orchestra will be the last to perform. It will consist of 37 seniors, a record-breaking number for the program. They will perform “What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish. 

“Some of the [seniors] will go on to college and continue to play in orchestra,” Cautivar said. “Maybe as a major – or elective – but for a lot of students, this is their last concert. It’s a sentimental show.”

The new version of the alma mater is composed by the original composer. Seniors will play the alma mater together. Percussionists from the band will accompany the orchestras during the show. 

“I hope that the audience enjoys [the spring show and] that the orchestra has fun with it,” percussionist Elijah Varghese said. “ Compared to UIL, which I also accompanied, [the spring show] is a lot more relaxed. [We try] to entertain the audience rather than play perfectly.” 

The spring show will open with the concert orchestra playing, “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles and “Havana” by Camila Cabello. The symphonic orchestra will follow with “This is Me” from the musical “The Greatest Showman” as well as the title track from the musical “Mamma Mia.”

“I hope [we] can all come together and play a song so beautifully that it gives everyone a meaningful experience, [and the audience] a bitter-sweet feeling,” violinist Jin Lim said.

The philharmonic orchestra will then play “Over the Rainbow” from the musical “The Wizard of Oz” and the title track from the musical “Wicked.” The chamber orchestra will follow with “We’ve Only Just Begun” by The Carpenters and end with the “Elgar String Serenade” composed by Edward Elgar, which Cautivar will not conduct. 

“The saddest part is to see so many [seniors] playing [together,]” Lim said. “It’s a reminder [that] we’re not going to see them next year. They are the people who helped shape the experience we’ve had.” 

The orchestra has been preparing for the spring show, as well as solo and ensembles, since the UIL season in February. 

“My experience with the orchestra is truly one of a kind,” Lim said. “Having the opportunity to be in such an amazing organization and spring show has shaped core memories I will look back on.”