Anyone can show how much they care about their friends or someone special this Valentine’s Day by hiring the Chamber Orchestra to play a song or songs for them. All funds will be used for their upcoming trip to Winter Colorado Park for the 2025-2026 school year. Since there will be no school on Valentine’s Day, the orchestra will be playing the songs on February 12th. Sophomore Jasper Kim is a part of the Chamber Orchestra and will be one of the performers for the serenade.
“[The Serenade] is a good way to spread the word about the orchestra program, spread music to people to enjoy and also raise money to help people with funding for the trip,” Kim said.
There are two performance options. The first is one song of the buyer’s choice and a message to their “sweetheart.” This would cost 30 dollars. The second option is having two songs, one song of the person’s choosing and one of the musician’s choosing. This package also comes with a message and a rose, with a cost of 40 dollars.
“People can place orders where they want us to perform, “and during the school day we go around like fans,” Kim said.
Serenades can be anonymous, but it’s suggested to let the person know of a surprise coming their way. Orchestra teacher Judy Erpelding, got this idea from her past schools. Like Kim, she believes this is a great way of spreading positive energy.
“I brought this activity and fundraiser here because I’ve learned from experience that it is quite valuable for my students to have an opportunity to perform, but also to perform in a variety of places,” Erpelding said.
Not only can people hire the orchestra to perform inside the school but also in the Blue Valley area.
“Teachers or other community members have emailed me, and they’re like, “Oh, I want to get this for my mom,” Erpelding said. “Somebody else from the hospital across the street ordered one, so we’re gonna play for a nurse’s station there.”
Erpelding also came up with a set list of songs, her past serenades inspired her choices. “[After] years of doing it, I edit and scale back certain songs,” Erpelding said. “In general I try to find like a variety of fast, fun stuff that is pretty light-hearted that’s not too sappy or romantic so that way it’s not uncomfortable.”
These songs include but are not limited to “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley and “My Funny Valentine” by Frank Sinatra. The posters around the school have a QR code that has more information.
“I hope in future years, people will kind of understand exactly what [the serenade] is, and they’ll be excited and want to do it,” Erpelding said.
