The orchestra room filled with bustling students on Aug. 27 as the first annual Big/Little Social began. The social was split into two times to accommodate the overwhelming number of musicians:  during lunch and after school. The Littles (freshmen and new orchestra members) had this opportunity to meet their Bigs (returning orchestra members) and enjoy a fun-packed afternoon together. 

The lunch social began with a quick icebreaker between Bigs and Littles to get to know each other. The activities then commenced promptly after: an entertaining game of Doodle Swap and a competitive Kahoot tournament of Guess the Song. The orchestra room came alive with chatter as students raced against the clock to choose the correct song. 

Senior Ethan Hung said, “I think Big/Little Socials are great because you get to meet plenty of people from different orchestras and different instrument sections, and you get to make new friends, too. It’s a really enjoyable experience.” 

The after-school social included all the games played at the lunch social, but due to its longer running time, a game of Balloon Knee Race was added. Students were split into two teams, and whichever team crossed the orchestra room first with a balloon between their legs without popping it would win. Both teams cheered each other on, but in the end, Team One took home the prize. Select members of Orchestra Council then raced against Orchestra Director Ms. Chen, a funny and amusing way to end the social. 

Orchestra Socials are always a great way to ease back into the school year and create amazing memories together with friends. From students filling themselves up with delicious snacks to competing in rivalry games, this year’s first Big/Little Social was another huge success. If this sounds like fun to you, be sure to attend all of the orchestra's events in the future!