After hours of practice and private lessons, directors announced eight band students and seven orchestra students from RBHS would participate in the Missouri all-state band and orchestra Dec. 6. Four of the seven chosen orchestra students were freshman, and orchestra teacher Alison Schmidt was astounded when she heard the news.
“I was so excited, and I really almost cried. I am so proud to have such a large representation from our orchestra program. Seven students from one school is a rarity,” Schmidt said. “In fact, more than just a few from one school is a big deal. Students from all over the entire state of Missouri audition to be a part of this prestigious ensemble, so it is such an honor to have this many students make it.”
She credits the students’ success to their effort and private lesson teachers, although she did try to answer questions concerning audition music and help her musicians as much as she could.
As soon as he got his audition music at the beginning of the school year, sophomore Sejoon Jun, who plays the violin, began practicing for two hours every day. The process of preparation was stressful but obviously worth it because his audition was successful.
“I felt so relieved when I found out,” Jun said. “[Preparing for the audition] was a lot of stress for me, and it was a lot of work. After I found out that I got in, I felt very happy.”
He plans on auditioning again next year in order to keep up his record after making All-State as a freshman and a sophomore. Cello player Zoe Wu, however, prefers to stay focused on the present.
“I was hyperventilating when I found out,” Wu, a junior, said. “I wanted to scream, but I couldn’t because I was in a public area, so I was trying very hard not to burst with happiness. I was working when I found out.”
Wu feels she was the least prepared auditionee, having practiced an hour each day. In the end, it was enough to ensure her admission. Schmidt encourages students to audition but understands that simply auditioning is a large undertaking.
“I don’t know if I’ll audition next year. I guess we’ll see,” Wu said. “I got in this year, so I think I already accomplished something, but maybe I’ll try out next year.”