WHHS Orchestra Director Tiffany King and her class attends the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Orchestra Students had the opportunity to learn the cultural history of America in Atlanta, Georgia. "We learned how to work together as a whole orchestra instead of as one person," said Elizabeth Cano. Photo provided by Tiffany King,
On April 10, 2025, the West Henderson Orchestra went to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and attended a master class by Dr. Paul Bhasin, director of Orchestral Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. The students went to many places that gave them cultural and educational experiences in a different city. “[We] briefly saw a Braves baseball game, but it got thunderstormed out. We got to go to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Six Flags, and Stone Mountain Park,” said Tiffany King, West Henderson Orchestra teacher.
These places created a positive environment by creating memories and friendships with one another, as well as providing cultural teaching by learning about the history of America in the city of Atlanta. Having fun was a part of going on the trip. Still, the main purpose was “to give students an experience of seeing the [Atlanta Symphony Orchestra], and having a master class with a college professor,” said King.
The WHHS Orchestra learned valuable lessons through the master class to help them become better performers in a symphony setting; additionally, these lessons can be helpful in their personal lives. “We learned how to work together as a whole orchestra instead of as one person,” said sophomore Elizabeth Cano.
After the professor was done teaching, the students were given the opportunity to perform in front of the professor in the master class. “The students played well in the master class, the professor was very complimentary of them. Then, Billy Justice conducted and had a conducting lesson with them,” said King. Justice, who is a senior, is the 2nd chair viola in the WHHS Orchestra, student conductor, student assistant, and student music arranger. He is going to college for music and performance, specializing in conducting and mastering the viola.” The trip “gave me more experience in conducting to prepare for college,” said Billy.
Students went to places to have fun and make unforgettable memories. A few students shared their favorite memories/moments during the trip. Junior Matthew Detwiler said, “I liked the pool party at the hotel Friday night.” Sophomore Lilli Ashworth said, “[My favorite part was] the aquarium.” Finally, sophomore Elizabeth Cano said, “Either the symphony or the pool.”