Portfolios > Hannah Skeene
This page features the articles:
• Exploring the Unknown Facets of Orchestra
• Sprinting Ahead of the Competition
Exploring the Unknown Facets of Orchestra
For most students, transitioning from middle to high school is a stimulating experience. Many eagerly anticipate the elevated social aspect, while others may just be looking forward to moving one step closer to their future goals. Regardless of what makes high school special, students are sure to choose electives that complement their personalized interests. With a wide range of courses available, selecting the proper classes is a breeze.
While most students are aware of the vast array of electives our school offers, some garner more popularity than others, but it goes without saying that popularity does not always translate to superiority. For music-loving students who are skilled in string instruments or just looking to learn something new, orchestra is a great course. While mildly unpopular, it offers unique learning experiences and engaging after-school commitments.
Some people may wonder, why orchestra and not band? Both band and orchestra are music classes, but band focuses on wind and percussion instruments, while orchestra focuses on string instruments. Because the choice of string instruments is limited, class sizes are notably smaller, allowing for an air of camaraderie.
Students in orchestra work hard each day to grow their skills thus, it would be quite an injustice to see those skills go without exhibition. Needless to say, concerts are a crucial aspect of the class. Family and friends are encouraged to attend and experience the music first-hand. I attended the Christmas concert and was surprised by the level of expertise displayed. The music was captivating, and the atmosphere was tranquil. Afterward, I interviewed a friend of mine, Olivia Thirion, a bass player in our school’s orchestra. She revealed to me that her favorite part of the class is getting to learn with friends and that the environment is fun. When I asked her if she would recommend it to other students, she said, “Yes; orchestra makes it easy to make new friends.”
George Jenkins High School has a diverse pool of students, hailing from countless origins. Within this mixing pot of cultures, there are sure to be shared interests. Some students may be passionate about technology, while others become animated when discussing culinary arts. Whatever your interests are, choosing from the vast selection of classes available is somewhat of an adventure, with obscure treasures concealed along the way. And after taking a closer look, the orchestra might just be one of these hidden gems.
Sprinting Ahead of the Competition
It is widely known throughout the state of Florida that the GJHS girls’ track team is a beast of a program. Year after year, our girls bring the heat on the track, in the ring, in the sand, and in the air. This year is no different. With rigorous attention to detail and an unshakeable determination, our girls embody the true meaning of “soaring like eagles.”
Coach Williams, head coach of the girl’s team, has undying faith in these young athletes. If asked about the team, one can guarantee a proud response. I have even heard, myself, voice on many occasions, “Other teams know we’re coming. They see us and say, ‘Oh no, it’s GJ’”.
Looking for evidence of GJ’s superiority? Look no further than the scores for the meets. The girls’ track team dominated at the first meet of the season, coming out with a whopping 156 points. The runner-up had a mere 80 points, putting them 76 points behind our team. The numbers truly don’t lie.
Our school is filled to the brim with amazing athletes. Some are weightlifters, some are swimmers, some are golfers, some are raiders, and the list goes on. Regardless of whether you play a sport or not, it’s hard to ignore the capability of our girls’ team. So, when you see a track member walking through the halls, take some time to congratulate them on their hard-earned victory, because these girls have accomplished lofty goals.