In a typical year, only a third of the seniors choose to perform a solo, and few pick difficult pieces. 2008 was different. Two-thirds of the seniors chose to perform, and most picked serious works−the kind of music an applicant might play when auditioning for a conservatory.

The three pieces being performed by each orchestra, plus ten senior solos, made for a very long program. The first thing to go was full symphonic accompaniment; there just would not have been enough time to squeeze in the rehearsals with the band musicians. Several seniors also opted to perform without an orchestral accompaniment which shortened the program for symphonic orchestra.

The result was a celebration of the Class of 2008 and their musical accomplishments.

	Kirsten Chen deserves special recognition. In addition to performing her viola senior solo, she played the piano part for another senior's solo as well as orchestral pieces.