Woodbridge High’s orchestra welcomes a new concertmaster, junior and violinist Yuna Noh, who will lead the orchestra, and bring its musicians closer together.
A concertmaster is the most advanced violinist in Woodbridge High’s Philharmonic orchestra.
“Concertmaster is the principal first violin player, and they help with setting up bowings for certain music patterns,” music department chair and conductor Joslynne Blasdel said. “They kind of run sectionals. If I need them to demonstrate a certain bow technique or playing technique, they can do that for the course. So they’re the most advanced violinists that I have.”
To make Noh concertmaster, Blasdel considered her skill as a violinist. She chose someone who could play well, play in position, demonstrate different techniques and have good tone quality and musicality.
To audition for this role, Blasdel gave Noh a song from the All State and All Southern California Honor Group to Play. This was the skill level necessary to be considered for the position. Noh was deemed the best out of all the Philharmonic violins, one of the factors that influenced the decision to appoint her as the concertmaster this year.
In addition to being able to play well, Blasdel ensured that Noh had good leadership and communication skills. She was also chosen for her great leadership skills and respect among her peers. Becoming the concertmaster comes with many feelings including, excitement and responsibility.
Blasdel is confident in her decision to choose Noh as the concertmaster due to her character. Although many students perceive the position of concertmaster as a formal, serious position, Blasdel reminds Noh to savor her time as concertmaster, knowing she is perfect for the role.
“She’s very, very humble she…gets along really well with her peers, [and she is] well respected with her peers,” Blasdel said.
Violinists who play with Noh have mentioned that she helps make the orchestra more united. Specifically, violinist and junior Elena Miyamoto said that Noh helps keep the orchestra together by helping them work better as a team and to enjoy their time in the orchestra.
“I feel like she doesn’t just make the orchestra more organized, but she makes it seem more connected like we’re all one family,” Miyamoto said.
During Noh’s time in Woodbridge High’s orchestra, she made so many new friends and exciting memories.
“A lot of my memories are like the interactions that I had with people in orchestra. And although not all of them, a lot of my friends are from Orchestra, and I met them through Orchestra,” Noh said. “I think it’s also because we have a lot of the same interests, so we meet up to play in chambers.”
Noh will be featured in one of the pieces for the orchestra’s winter concert. She prepares with lots of practice and creating bowings and fingerings which are essential to the orchestra’s performance.
