Park guest conducts San Bernardino High School Honors Orchestra

By Gassia Ashikian
Staff Writer

Costa’s orchestra teacher Peter Park is known for his love of music and inspiring way with his students. Due to his dedication to student musicians, Park was nominated to conduct the 2013 San Bernardino County High School Honors Orchestra.

This year has been Park’s fourth year conducting at Mira Costa, but he has been teaching orchestra for a total of 17 years. This will be his very first time conducting at the San Bernardino County High School.

“There is no formal process for being chosen to conduct the orchestra,” Park said. “The San Bernardino County Educators’ Music Association had routine meetings to discuss and vote from a handful of people whom they believe had the ability to conduct the orchestra.”

Katie Barton, a SBCMEA High School Orchestra representative, selected Park to conduct the Honors orchestra.

“I chose Park because I was very impressed with his previous work with other Honor orchestras,” Barton said.

As a guest conductor, Park has the freedom to choose the pieces that the students will get to play and perform.

“I have a lot of freedom as guest conductor to make musical decisions,” Park said. “I selected some challenging music that I believe will be good for the group.”

Park conducted the Long Beach Unified School District Ohlendorf Honors Orchestra earlier this year. He also conducted Capistrano Unified School District High School Honors Orchestra in 2010. Despite Park’s previous orchestra conducting experiences, he is still particularly excited to guest conduct at San Bernardino County High School.

“This is a great opportunity for me to share with other students and music instructors my skills,” Park said.

Many orchestra students feel that Park has had a positive influence on their musical development.

“Although it is only my first year at Mira Costa, Mr. Park has already tremendously helped me improve my skills at playing the bass,” freshman Talia Gerard said.

Conducting various orchestras allows Park to have a unique and well-rounded experience with musically-talented kids in several different communities.

“It’s an honor to be selected to work with other students,” Park said. “This orchestra is well known so it is a great opportunity to be able to conduct this orchestra group.”