BY KAREN BOSSICK
A Wood River High School student is trying to raise money to participate in the Young Adult honor Performance Series at the Sydney Opera House this summer.
Orrie DeShields was one of just a few musicians selected out of more than 10,000 applicants to take part in the series.
DeShields, a saxophone player for the Wood River High School Jazz Band, Concert Band, Pep Band, Drum line and a rhythm and blues band the Cool Cats, who has marched twice in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade and Macy’s thanksgiving Parade.
In Australia he will have the opportunity to meet student musicians from around the globe as they learn from world-renowned conductors. He may even get a chance to rub noses with a koala bear and kangaroo as he gets a taste of Sydney.
“This opportunity will give me the chance to visit Australia and play at the Sydney Opera House to see in person where ‘Fall Guy’ was filmed!” Orrie said when he learned he was accepted.
DeShields was encouraged to apply for the Honors Performance Series by Wood River High School and Middle School band director Patrick Herb. The program has been conducted at several of the world’s most celebrated concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Ambassador Auditorium in Los Angeles, Musikverein in Vienna, Austria, and the Royal Festival Hall in London.
Their work is capped with a performance at the hall.
“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” said Marion Gomez, Music Director for the Honors Performance Series. “We processed nearly 10,000 nominations this year and have selected the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians will never forget.”
DeShields, the son of Mitch and Becky DeShields, will enter the University of Idaho next fall where he plans to perform with the Vandals’ Marching Band.
Those who would like to make a donation to DeShield’s musical adventure Down Under may do so at https://give.honorsperformance.org/ScWqpNMv94. The trip needs to be paid in full by June 6.
Want to know more? Contact Becky Deshields at harpgirl62@gmail.com or 415-377-2992.