Me llamo Rachel

After observing several sectional rehearsals, we all got our hands dirty in the beginning orchestra rehearsal, comprised of children who have only been playing their instruments since September. We were all sitting in the sections with our specific instruments, helping out where we could. After a while, the conductor pointed to me with his baton and beckoned me to the stage to conduct the orchestra through Pomp and Circumstance. I’m convinced the conductor somehow knew that I was the least capable fellow in the room for this task. 

After a quick “hola, me llamo Rachel,” we dove in. When we reached the end of the piece, all of the children applauded for me. I was stunned. Then the conductor came back on stage, and I returned to the brass section. The trumpets and horns had only learned the introduction to the piece, and were sitting and listening intently to the rest of the orchestra after they had played through the part they knew. Carlos decided to take over the trumpet part, and I followed suit on the horn part. This did not go unnoticed by the rest of the orchestra. Once again, when we reached the end of the piece, the entire orchestra turned to the brass section and applauded Carlos and me. At the end of rehearsal, girls from the violin section ran up to me to hug me.



I left this nucleo feeling so loved and appreciated, even though I was barely able to communicate verbally with any of the students. They were so hungry for musical help, and so loving and affectionate. The “vibe” at this nucleo cannot be put into words, but the fellows left feeling amazing and yearning to spend more time there.

Most of the nucleos around Caracas were taking the day off on Saturday for various reasons, so Rodrigo took advantage of the free time to show us around. We went to the top of La Avila, which is the highest mountain in Caracas. The view from up there is breathtaking.



Continue reading on my personal blog.

Rachel Hockenberry
Sistema Fellow '13