The Walnut High School arts program hired specific coaches for different types of instruments who help with a broader spectrum of abilities and niches in order to strengthen performances. This is the first time that the school has implemented specific coaches to help students with their instruments.
These coaches assist students in the maintenance and playing of their specific instruments, whether that be for Symphonic Orchestra or the school’s Blue Thunder Marching Band. This creates assurance that all students regardless of their organization can receive help in the practice of their instrument. In order to maintain the privacy of the coaches, their names were omitted at the request of Mr. Corey Wicks.
“[The string instruments coach] helps us emphasize big notes and helps determine what string position we should be using for our violin. She helps fine tune our orchestral pieces such as identifying which part of our bows we should [be using],” violinist junior Sunny Lau said. “She also helps with accenting specific notes in the piece and determines the speeds and directions at which our bows move.”
Students have these coaches in order to practice for their specific instruments and help perfect their technique for usage during events. As such, these coaches improve the performance of students and provide hours of aid.
“[Most] of the coaches have professional marching experience or play that specific instrument in a professional setting. They have unique experiences and tips that they can teach to the players of said instrument,” trombonist sophomore Brandon Hsu said.
The idea of a specific coach for each instrument ensures perfection within each sound and is achieved by giving students specific instructions on how to slow down the beats per minute played.
“Woodwinds and brass create different sounds so [the coaches] help split up into instrumentals,” clarinetist sophomore Nathan Yu said. “My coach has given us tips on how to play certain parts [in preparation for events] and has helped us out when we needed it most.”
