On Friday, September 20th at North Atlanta High School, after school, the field was filled with Orchestra students dressed in colors ranging from blue to pink to green to purple. Every student was bursting with excitement to start Warrior Games. An annual tradition where students dress up in different colors to represent the team they were assigned to. The activities were meant to help the class bond in a different way outside the classroom, but also have fun while doing so. Some of the different events were making a chant with your group, tag, obstacle course, and Pictionary, where you draw on each other’s back in a line. Each team was going up against the other teams to get the most wins, to win the overall game.
Many people loved the event, but most people enjoyed showing the spirit of their team and dressing up in different colors. Graydon Linard, a cellist for the Orchestra, went all out, wanting to show spirit for his team. “I had green hair, green face paint, and green clothes. It was all green,” said Linard
Another aspect of Warrior games that many enjoyed was the way that the teams were assigned so that they were able to talk to other people that they would not normally hang out with. This created many new bonds and allowed the Orchestra to get to know the class better. Some may argue that it could positively benefit their concert playing, because of the newly formed connections. Dane Sharp, a sophomore, plays for the Orchestra and loves being a part of the community. “It brought us closer and allows us to be able to hear each other and work with each other when it comes to actually performing the pieces because we know each other and how to communicate,” said Sharp
Not only did the students have fun with each other, but the energy and mood had a great impact on the time the students had. Many reported that it was very competitive and energetic. Maryam Hashim, a member of the pink team, and a player of the viola, reported that it was energetic and everyone was so nice to each other, especially about winning. “It was so energetic and the teams would win in a nice way, I would love to do this again soon,” said Hashim
In the end, all the participants gained many new friends and experiences that will benefit them down the road in the orchestra. The competitiveness combined with dressing up and the energy brought the already enthusiastic teenagers to a whole other level. Warrior Games, according to the students, was a big hit, and can’t wait for the next fun activity.
