On Saturday, Oct. 31, select Orchestra students auditioned at Stony Point High School for a chance to be part of the TMEA All-State Orchestra. This strenuous competition was the second step in the audition process required to become a part of one of the All-State Orchestras.

“[The audition process] was better than what it was in middle school because I guess it was just more relaxed than before,” David Kim ‘19 said. Kim is also excited for the All-Region concert. “I’m really looking forward to the performance because it’s usually a lot of fun.”

Orchestra students first auditioned for All-Region Orchestra, playing 2 etudes they received in May and 4 excerpts from pieces they received when school started. After being accepted into All-Region, students rehearse and perform new music at a concert with the rest of their orchestra. Only 24 students in the district were able to advance to auditions for the All-State Orchestra, a nerve-wracking process.

“When I entered the audition room, I had to calm my shaking legs,” Margaret Seo ‘19 said. “I completely forgot how I did afterwards, so I didn’t have any regrets.”

Students who plan to audition enter a room with a judge and a recording engineer and play their prepared music. Before entering, they were able to practice in the cafeteria until their name was called. Auditionees included pianists, bassists, cellists, violists, and violinists.

“They make you show up at 8:30,” Kim said. “I ended up recording at 1:00, so I was there for a couple of hours. Recording was pretty easy because it wasn’t an audience you had to play in front of.”

Other students auditioning also felt like they did well afterwards despite their nervousness during the audition.

“I spent a lot of time working up to the performance and auditions, so I was kinda bummed that I still made a couple mistakes.” Emma Young ‘16 said. “But I was really happy that I finally nailed this one part I was working on for forever. Overall, I think everyone did really well.”

Students who made All-Region Orchestra will perform on Saturday, Nov. 14. Be sure to come and support Westwood’s musicians at the concert and congratulate them on their success in the auditions.