Silver Creek orchestra students joined Spinphony, an electric string quartet, on stage for a collaborative performance that offered students a firsthand look at the energy and expectations of professional musicianship. Known for blending classical strings with rock, pop, and cinematic music, Spinphony has performed internationally while pairing electric string performances with dynamic stage production. The concert also featured guest performers from Altona Middle School, creating an experience that challenged students beyond the scope of a traditional school ensemble.
Silver Creek orchestra teacher Katarina Pliego said performing alongside professional musicians gave students the opportunity to experience music-making at a much higher level while seeing the discipline and artistry required in a professional setting. She emphasized that experiences like the collaboration with Spinphony can have a lasting impact on young musicians by helping them see music as something dynamic and full of possibility. “Many students left the performance feeling more motivated and connected to their own musical goals,” Pliego said.
Sophomore violinist Nat Alegria Chavez was similarly inspired by the experience and said performing with Spinphony prompted her to reflect on her own future as a musician. “These women have been musicians for a long time, and it made me wonder, ‘If I stick with my instrument, what will I be able to achieve?’” she said.
The collaboration also challenged students in unexpected ways. While some initially believed the music would be simple, students quickly recognized the increased demands of performing with a professional ensemble, from adapting to a fast-paced rehearsal process to delivering a polished performance after only one rehearsal together. “They had to be 100% ready from the first note,” said Pliego. “Through it all, students supported each other and soaked up the excitement of the moment.”
For senior cellist Jared Dettlebach, the performance reflected the resilience and dedication of the Silver Creek music program. Dettlebach noted that Silver Creek’s orchestra program has continued to grow and succeed despite evolving through several program changes over the years. “It’s the soul of the people who go to this high school that really puts us a notch above,” Dettlebach said. “It comes from the passion of the students and teachers who come together and create this kind of music.”
As the only high school orchestra selected to perform alongside Spinphony, students shared that the experience challenged them to think differently about collaboration, musicianship, and performance while showcasing the strength of the Silver Creek music community.