This year, Essex High School’s orchestra is bigger than it’s been in a long time. After years of low numbers, the program is finally making a comeback.

Asiat Ali, EHS orchestra conductor, said that the school used to have a full symphonic orchestra when he started teaching here

“We had it for many, many years,” Ali said. “We had a common block between band, chorus, and orchestra, so any kid that would want to do three groups could do it in that same block. We stopped doing that, unfortunately. So this became a string orchestra.”

He said that after becoming a string orchestra, the class held between 25 and 30 students. 

“Then COVID hit us pretty hard,” he said. 

Before COVID-19, orchestra numbers at Essex were strong, with plenty of students filling out each section. However, during the pandemic, participation dropped sharply and stayed low for a few years. 

“But I think now, with enough time post-COVID, it’s starting to come back, which is awesome,” Ali said. 

The orchestra’s high numbers are showing not only in the high school but in the middle schools as well, where Ali also teaches.

“At Essex Middle School last year it was close to 30, but now we have close to 40,” he said. “And at ADL, it was down to 12, and now we’re at about 22.”

The larger group means a fuller sound and new opportunities for performances. Students of all experience levels, some brand new, others who have played since middle school, are coming together to create music and build community. 

“Now we’re getting back to a more normal routine, and kids are psyched to join the group,” Ali stated.

As the orchestra prepares for its upcoming concerts, the energy is clear. Essex High’s music program isn’t just recovering, it’s thriving again.