Region Orchestra accepted 24 students into the program after competing against various students from LISD, Carrollton ISD, and Frisco ISD for a spot in the 130  places that were available. However, four of those students made it to the State level.

“This is a tremendous achievement for both the orchestra program and the individual students,” Orchestra Director Ann Smith said. “It reflects hard work, discipline and drive on the part of the students, and reflects strengthening of the orchestra program.”

Since May of last school year, the orchestra students have been preparing excerpts from various pieces to audition for a spot in the region or state orchestra.

“Mrs. Smith gave me a lot of help and encouragement when I needed it and pushed me to do my best,” sophomore Andrew Dunlap said. “I didn’t feel like doing state at all, but she pushed me to do it. I’m happy now that I did.”

State orchestra may be a big accomplishment, but trying out may not be what all students strive for in the class.

“State orchestra is not the ultimate goal for taking the class, but is an ultimate goal as an individual musician,” Smith said. “In order for a student to participate in the All State process, they must be a member of the school organization.”

The process doesn’t just end there, though. There is a concert in February over the music they learned.

“On February 12th, 2014, all of the All State students in band, orchestra and choir will travel to San Antonio for the concert,” Smith said. “Students participate in one more audition the day of the performance, and will then spend about eight hours a day with a nationally recognized orchestra director rehearsing very challenging music culminating in a final concert on Saturday February 15.”

The achievement of making the All State Orchestra means something different for everyone. But in the end, it’s an experience that only comes around once a year, and it’s up to the students whether or not to try and be a part of it.