The Orchestra Department at Radford High School received 19 new instruments this school year, which has been a big help to the students who borrowed instruments from the school. At Radford, there are three Orchestra ensembles: Concert Orchestra, Camerata, and the Symphony Orchestra.

The Camerata performs at various places and events such as Aliamanu Middle School’s Recruitment Concert; Radford’s Complex, Winter, and Spring Concert; American String Teacher’s Association; Hawai‘i Division: Parade of Orchestras; and other events throughout the year.

“Orchestra is genuinely the best thing ever. They are so inviting within the community,” says concert orchestra student Rosario Whalen.

Ms. Sonoda has played the viola since fifth grade. She went to University of Hawai`i at Manoa to play viola and majored in Music Education while she was there.

“It’s a really supportive community,” Ms. Sonoda said.

Ms. Sonoda has an Intro to Orchestra Class but wants to make it a class where others teach others who have zero music experience “how to play violin, viola, cello, or bass.”

The Radford Orchestra attends concerts at the end of every semester and are always looking for more opportunities to perform. Ms. Sodona’s Orchestra classes have a few pieces every year to play.

“[Camerata] orchestra is getting pretty far this year,” says Ms. Sonoda. She is open to talking to any students who are interested in learning a string instrument.

“Orchesrta is genuinely inviting to all students,” Rosario Whalen said.