Tuning Into Tompkins Orchestras

Tompkins HS Orchestra Officers led by Vicky CC
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Dive into the world of music with us as we spotlight the talented musicians of Tompkins High School. Each episode, we'll bring you behind the scenes with exclusive interviews, and captivating stories, from our dynamic orchestras. Discover the passion and dedication that drives our students, from rehearsals and performances to special events and milestones. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a student, or just curious about high school orchestras, our podcast offers an insider’s view into the rhythms and harmonies that shape our community.Podcast Host: Vicky & RithikEditor: Vicky & PorterProducer: Mr. Porter

  1. 3H AGO

    Tuning In To Conductor Kilburn!

    Send a text Welcome back to the Tuning into Tomkins Orchestra podcast. In this special episode, Rithik sits down for an exclusive interview on the San Antonio Riverwalk with Dr. Kilburn, a guest conductor for the All-State Sinfonietta Orchestra at the All-State convention. Dr. Kilburn, who teaches at Michigan State University, discusses the unique challenges of conducting an ensemble where students from diverse backgrounds must "gel" and build an ensemble culture in a very condensed period of time. Support the show Follow us on Insta @tompkinsorchestras

    13 min

  2. JAN 22

    The Old Man, The Old Moon, and even Stranger Things!

    Send a text Step inside the creative world of the Tomkins Theater Company in this latest episode of the Tomkins Orchestra podcast. Host Vicky sits down with the cast and crew of the unique production, The Old Man and The Old Moon, to discuss the magic—and the chaos—behind the scenes. Listeners will get an inside look at the latest TTC production, where the story of a moon-obsessed man and his adventurous wife comes to life through original music and shadow puppetry. The guests share fascinating details about their process, including: The "Foley" Table: Discover how the team creates every sound effect live, from splashing water to a dying rooster, without a single pre-recorded track.Character Secrets: Hear how the actors used "animal exercises" to develop their roles, resulting in a cast that moves like lions, chimps, and even owls.The "Oatmeal" Incident: Get the hilarious and "disgusting" story behind the stage food that evolved from plain oatmeal to include chicken fingers, M&Ms, and even expired spicy chips to elicit genuine reactions from the actors.Whether you are interested in the unified collaboration between theater and orchestra kids or want to hear about the high-stakes pressure of a first lead role, this episode offers a "magical" glimpse into the dedication it takes to put on a show. Tune in to hear why the cast believes "there are no small parts" and why everyone should experience the "iceberg" of theater at least once. Support the show Follow us on Insta @tompkinsorchestras

    46 min

  3. 11/24/2025

    Tuning in with composer David Michael Hyde

    Send a text In this "holiday" episode of the Tompkins Orchestra podcast Vicky and Rithik interview David Michael Hyde, the composer of "Christmastide," a piece being commissioned by the Tompkins orchestra and choir. Hyde shares that his love for the holiday inspired the piece, and the central message is a timely reminder "not to forget what it's truly all about" amid the busy holiday season. The lyrics are largely based on a public domain poem by Lahi Brown Allen, supplemented by a refrain and a bridge Hyde contributed. Hyde discusses his creative process, which is influenced by his background in film scoring. He encourages aspiring student composers to "just start writing what you hear in your head" and to lean on music as a "friend". His ultimate goal is to inspire young people through his music Support the show Follow us on Insta @tompkinsorchestras

    46 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    Pie Day Hit and Run with Presidents Jooni & Aimee

    Send a text It's Pie Day! Hosts Vicki and Rithik are joined by orchestra presidents and violin-playing seniors, Aimee and Jooni (Jooni, a.k.a. J-Dog), to dissect the most chaotic social of the year! The seniors reveal the full Pie Day itinerary, which includes serving many awesome pies—like the highly anticipated matcha pie for all the "performative males" who bring their wired headphones, tote bags, and feminist literature. Get ready for intense competition! Winners of four separate games will earn the prestigious honor of pie-ing either Ms, Marts, Mr. Porter, Jooni, or Aimee in the face. Learn about the games, plus, hear the essential advice for the balloon popping competition: wear your big shoes and "eat a lot of pie so you can increase of gravity" (F=ma)! Beyond pie and shaving cream, the presidents drop some serious, spontaneous, and slightly questionable revelations. Hear Jooni discuss her "aura farming" jacket, Aimee share her thanks for her best friend Jooni, and listen to an impromptu rap attempt. Finally, the senior presidents discuss their dormant rock band, "The Cogs", and debate life's biggest questions—like when it's okay to make poop jokes and whether your GPA actually matters. Don't miss the fun, the food, and the exposed secrets in this last Pie Day episode for the seniors! Support the show Follow us on Insta @tompkinsorchestras

    29 min

  5. 11/10/2025

    Piano Land with Stanford

    Send a text Join hosts Vicky and Rithik on the Tompkins Orchestra podcast as they welcome Stanford, a freshman piano player at Tomkins. This episode explores the unique experience of what it’s like to be a piano player in orchestra. Stanford, who transitioned from playing violin in middle school, discusses the rewarding aspects of his new role, noting that while the piano supports the orchestra, its scarcity (usually only one or two pianists per orchestra) brings attention. Learn how orchestra pianists often serve as "filler," supporting the ensemble by playing instruments like the celesta, bells, organ, and triangle. Stanford also provides insight into the high school region piano audition process, highlighting the difference between the competitive atmosphere of region violin and the smaller, more harmonious community of pianists. He emphasizes that the orchestra piano experience is unique, requires a strong focus on rhythm, and offers astronomically more opportunities than middle school piano Support the show Follow us on Insta @tompkinsorchestras

    25 min

  6. SEASON 2, EPISODE 7 TRAILER

    Nosferatu - A Symphony of Terror PREVIEW

    Send a text Support the show Follow us on Insta @tompkinsorchestras

    4 min

  7. 10/27/2025

    Orchtober with Arjun and Dhruv

    Send a text Get ready for an insightful and hilarious dive into the high-stakes world of competitive high school orchestra! Hosts Vicki and Rithik of the Tomkins Orchestra podcast welcome two special guests: Arjun, a successful senior violinist, and Dhruv, a freshman violist. In this must-listen episode, we break down the recent region orchestra auditions and look ahead to the upcoming area auditions. You'll also get some freshman perspective: Hear Dhruv’s "very novel perspective" on his first high school audition experience, including the shock of seeing all the region's top players gathered in the same room. The group also discusses the excitement of the high school orchestra's structure and freedom, and previews their ambitious upcoming performance: scoring the 1920 silent film classic, Nosferatu, live. Don't be a bum—tune in now for tips, laughs, and generational thoughts! Support the show Follow us on Insta @tompkinsorchestras

    33 min

  8. 10/18/2025

    Yoga in the Musical World: Harmony in Motion

    Send a text What happens when the world of music and the world of yoga collide?  Join hosts Vicki and Rithik as they welcome 10th-grade violinist Aaptika and 11th-grade violist Ojaswee to discuss their upcoming yoga relaxation session, a key event designed to help students prepare for the "very, very stressful" high school region orchestra auditions.  Aaptika and Ojaswee, who have practiced yoga since they were four and seven years old respectively, delve into the benefits of yoga, explaining how it is good for the cardiovascular system by relaxing the heart rate, activating neurons to help process more information, and significantly boosting personal confidence. Hear why even those who are "awful at yoga" or suffer from social anxiety should attend, as the instructors assure listeners that "everybody starts off bad" and the important part is to simply try, or, in the great words of Nike, "just do it".  Support the show Follow us on Insta @tompkinsorchestras

    20 min
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Trailer

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About

Dive into the world of music with us as we spotlight the talented musicians of Tompkins High School. Each episode, we'll bring you behind the scenes with exclusive interviews, and captivating stories, from our dynamic orchestras. Discover the passion and dedication that drives our students, from rehearsals and performances to special events and milestones. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a student, or just curious about high school orchestras, our podcast offers an insider’s view into the rhythms and harmonies that shape our community.Podcast Host: Vicky & RithikEditor: Vicky & PorterProducer: Mr. Porter

Information

  • Creator
    Tompkins HS Orchestra Officers led by Vicky CC
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tompkins High School Orchestras
  • Show Website
    Tuning Into Tompkins Orchestras