All-Region Orchestra Concert

Every year in October, the best middle school and high school students in TMEA Region 18 (the Austin and Eanes school districts) audition for a chance to play in the All-Region Orchestra Concert. This concert takes place in November and features two middle school orchestras and one high school orchestra. Parents who attend this concert for the first time are always taken aback by the incredible level of technique and musicianship displayed during the performances.
To earn a spot in the middle school orchestras, the students have six weeks to prepare a set of difficult musical excerpts, designed to be challenging for the best eighth graders.

This year, eight GSA students decided to take on that challenge and prepare for the audition. Most of them had never taken private lessons, and could not help being a little scared when they first saw the music, which featured more extra lines above the staff than many of them thought possible. They approached it with resolve and enthusiasm, however, and through hard work, both individually and as a group, were soon able to make sense out of it.

The audition took place at McCallum High School on Saturday, October 13. Going through a professional-style blind audition where the judges are hidden behind a screen can be nerve-wracking, but our girls managed to keep their composure. At the end of the day, five of them won a seat in the Philharmonic Orchestra:

Violin:
Gabi (7th Grade)
Stevie (6th Grade)
Viola:
Rowan (6th Grade)
Izzie (6th Grade)
Cello:
Ana (7th Grade)

Having 25% of our middle school string students make it in All-Region Orchestra is in itself a feat. But even more impressive is how much all the students grew through their work and dedication. I am so proud of all who auditioned!

The concert will take place on Saturday, November 17, at 4:00 p.m. at Pflugerville High School. This promises to be a memorable experience for our students. Please come and support them!

Gilles Bonneau