Teens are attracted to video games and the music implemented in those games. Attending a concert of the Washington Gamer Symphony Orchestra causes listeners to relive experiences from many games with transitions from soft melodies to quick tempo beats that incorporate vocals. One feels like they are playing donkey kong, then transition to fighting the last level of final fantasy.

The second fall concert took place at RHS December 20th. All seats in the auditorium were filled before the concert began and it was difficult to find good seats. Staff ran out of pamphlets to give out and the whole auditorium was full of fans. The concert was free, but they encouraged a minimum of six dollar donations.

“I wasn’t expecting them to fill the auditorium – they didn’t sell out but there were lots of people there. Lots. I ran into 6 people I know from various walks of life,” attendee Shahar Goldin said. “My favorite piece they played was the piece that included the ocarina of time theme.”

WGSO proved to be very talented and diverse in skills. Even though the orchestra has only been together for about two years they have quickly expanded. They branched out from the Gamer Symphony Orchestra in the University of Maryland which several members played in while they attended the university. The President and choir member Ayla Hurley said, “I intend to work with this organization for as long as they’ll keep me around.”

Hurley, one of WGSO’s founding members and part of the orchestra at the University of Maryland, holds the Halo melody to a high respect. She has been singing for 14 years. She sings soprano and helps oversee the actions of the WGSO as a whole. The choir is key in catching listeners attention. Usually, it helps develop the drama and tension from the game scene.

Rehearsals began in August 2013 while the first concert took place in RHS in June. The first rehearsal was composed of only 15 singers and instrumentalists. These 14 members have now grown to be 70. The first full performance concert was in Herndon HS.

Public Relations Manger Robert Garner said, “RHS is considered home to the orchestra.” They continue to have rehearsals at RHS and will have their next concert in June. RHS is where their first ever concert was held, making RHS very important to the orchestra.