Student orchestra members at Godwin Middle School showcased their talents yesterday as they performed pieces for the Winter Concert.

The concert repertoire, performed by the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade orchestras, included a range of songs from classical to Christmas music. Pieces such as "Dreidel," an Israeli folk song, "Jingle Bells," and "Pachelbel's Canon," drew smiles from the audience of family and friends.

"They did a really good job," said Melissa Rosener, whose son, Noah, plays violin in the seventh grade orchestra. "I was impressed," she said.

Directed by the school's string teacher, Amber Arnold, the annual program displayed a variety of talents, faces, and backgrounds.

"I work with them in small classes, but obviously this is a challenge," Arnold said of the multi-class production.  "Overall, I thought they did a really good job."

According to the school's principal, Jehovanni Mitchell, students worked all semester to master the songs and techniques presented— especially those in the sixth grade orchestra, many of whom have only been playing since school started in September.

Assisting Arnold during the performance were fellow Prince William County Public School teachers Robby Carroll and Lauren Babicz. Both string teachers themselves, Carroll and Babicz assisted Arnold in tuning instruments, fixing broken strings, and accompanying the students during the performance.

"The one thing about this county is that everyone is really supportive," said Arnold of her request for help. "I couldn't have done it without them."

The Godwin Middle School orchestras will perform again at the end of the spring semester.