Q: What were your thoughts in anticipation of Districts? How many years have you done District orchestra, or was this your first year?

A: Districts was my motivation to continue to do what I love – playing in an orchestra. I am so grateful to be able to perform with a group of talented musicians. This was my second year of District orchestra, and like last year, it was just as fun and amazing. Compared to last year, I felt more prepared and actually part of the orchestra. I was able to reunite with friends from the past year which is a reason why I love these festivals.

Q: How were you feeling prior to auditions?

A: No matter how many times I do [auditions], I will never get used to it. Before my audition, I was always excited, I had my hopes up, and I thought to myself – I am ready for this. But, the moment my foot stepped into the audition room, all those feelings vanished. I was nervous; I had to remind myself where I was, what was I even doing, what was happening. And the moment they said I could start, a wave of terror just washed over me.

Q: In that moment when audition results were announced, how were you feeling? What placement did you get? Are you happy with it?

A: That moment when they were announcing the audition results, I was expecting the worst of the worst. I had my bar set to the lowest. I felt unworthy. But, to my surprise, I made the fourth chair first violin which was better than last year – I got seventh. So, I was very pleased with the results.

Q: If there were one word to describe your overall District orchestra experience, what would it be? And why?

A: Noteworthy: This year’s district music had one of the most enchanting and thrilling pieces, my favorite one being “Melody.” Every note was worthy of recognition.

Q: What are your goals for Regions orchestra?

A: If I had low expectations, I would say to make the top 20. If I had high expectations, I would say to make the top 12.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: To the freshmen who are passionate about orchestra, please consider participating in the festivals next year. It would be an unforgettable experience in your high school career. To the musicians participating in Regionals, happy practicing!

Q: What were your thoughts in anticipation of Districts? How many years have you done District orchestra, or was this your first year?

A: I thought that I was definitely going to move on to Regionals, whether being first or second violin. This is my second year playing for the PMEA festivals and second year in District orchestra.

Q: How were you feeling prior to auditions?

A: Stressful and nervous, but who wouldn’t be a little nervous before auditions.

Q: In that moment when audition results were announced, how were you feeling? What placement did you get? Are you happy with it?

A: I was feeling overwhelmed. I got eighth in the first violin section. No, I was not happy, but I believe that those who worked hard deserved the chairs that they got.

Q: If there were one word to describe your overall District orchestra experience, what would it be? And why?

A: Vivacious- District orchestra was fun. It was filled with so many people that enjoyed music all coming together to create one big orchestra. Therefore, although stressful at first, it produced a lively atmosphere of musicians willing to make the world a better, musical sounding place.

Q: What are your goals for Regions orchestra?

A: Move on to States. Get first violin position. Make friends. Have fun.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: District orchestra is an opportunity for musicians to see other musicians and improve their skills. The main thing is to have fun. Relax and enjoy yourself.

Q: What were your thoughts in anticipation of Districts? How many years have you done District orchestra, or was this your first year?

A: This is my first year doing PMEA District orchestra. I was excited for Districts, but a bit nervous. My main goal was to go for the experience and the fun of it. I’ve heard a lot about PMEA before, so I was excited. I liked the songs, had good roommates and knew I was prepared to perform.

Q: How were you feeling prior to auditions?

A: I was a bit nervous but overall I was calm. I had previously resigned myself to not moving on – and I was okay with that. I knew I had practiced enough to have prepared myself well, but I had my goals set on chairs fifth through eighth (the re-audition chairs). In the audition room, I spent most of my time sitting quietly, focusing on the excerpts in my head. I went into auditions prepared, but with low expectations on their outcome.

Q: In that moment when audition results were announced, how were you feeling? What placement did you get? Are you happy with it?

A: The audition announcements were quite something. I felt fine before my audition, but afterward I was spiraling. I felt frustrated with myself after my audition, believing I could have done better, believing I had cost myself my goal. I spent the whole night stressing. During the announcements the next morning, I sat with my friends up in the back of the auditorium together. The suspense of waiting was quite something. It felt like they announced every instrument section before mine. When they started announcing my section, I was completely shocked. I got first chair. I was overjoyed and relieved. My friends tackled me for a giant group hug. Honestly, I was so overwhelmed that I started crying. I was in disbelief; after all my stress over the auditions, reality was a stark contrast of what I thought it would be. I was resigned to a low score, and then got the highest. I am very very happy with how I did.

Q: If there were one word to describe your overall District orchestra experience, what would it be? And why?

A: Rewarding – I have so many more new experiences, I’ve gained new skills, and I’ve done better than I could’ve ever imagined.

Q: What are your goals for Regions orchestra?

A: Honestly, I just want to go for the experience and have fun. I’m proud of how I’ve done so far, and feel honored to have even moved on.

Q: What were your thoughts in anticipation of Districts? How many years have you done District orchestra, or was this your first year?

A: I have participated in the PMEA District orchestra for two years now. In both years, I have felt anxious in anticipation of the District festival, yet always excited for the amazing memories that all of the orchestra students share. Preparing the musical pieces requires dedication, and promotes the importance of the event to all of the students that are finally able to showcase their abilities.

Q: How were you feeling prior to auditions?

A: Before I auditioned, I felt extremely nervous, not just for myself but for every other participant too. Performing alone to judges is a very difficult task for any player, so although we attempt to motivate one another, it can be a very stressful time.

Q: In that moment when audition results were announced, how were you feeling? What placement did you get? Are you happy with it?

A: The moment that they announced my placement, I felt completely numb, overwhelmed with panic. There is so much talent in our District that I was never completely sure that I would have auditioned well enough to advance. However, when the host placed me in the sixth chair, I was ecstatic. I am very happy with my placement and only hope to audition more confidently in future festivals.

Q: If there were one word to describe your overall District orchestra experience, what would it be? And why?

A: I would describe my District orchestra experience as enchanting. Performing with such talented musicians from all over the district is an amazing experience and making music with them is a gift.

Q: What are your goals for Regions orchestra?

A: I just hope to audition to the best of my ability and showcase the dedication in which I have placed in my instrument.

Q: What were your thoughts in anticipation of Districts? How many years have you done District orchestra, or was this your first year?

A: I was very focused going into it. Still, I was very excited and looking forward to having fun. I’ve competed in District orchestra for two years.

Q: How were you feeling prior to auditions?

A: I felt a little nervous right before I auditioned just because a few procedure issues came up and we took a few hours before we were able to actually audition.

Q: In that moment when audition results were announced, how were you feeling? What placement did you get? Are you happy with it?

A: As they were announcing the placements, I got really unsure. I thought my audition was not a good representation of my playing, so I got anxious about how I placed. In the end, I got first and I’m very pleased with how it turned out.

Q: If there were one word to describe your overall District orchestra experience, what would it be? And why?

A: Hopeful. I think that all of us, students, are just trying to do our best and have a great experience and it culminates in a great concert. We all hope for the best audition and the best placement.

Q: What are your goals for Regions orchestra?

A: My goal for next year is to keep up what I’ve been doing and get first chair.

Q: What were your thoughts in anticipation of Districts? How many years have you done District orchestra, or was this your first year?

A: I was just happy to be able to go. This was my first time at the orchestra festival.

Q: How were you feeling prior to auditions?

A: I was normal, a little nervous but confident in my playing ability.

Q: In that moment when audition results were announced, how were you feeling? What placement did you get? Are you happy with it?

A: I felt anxious when announcing. I got second chair and was happy with it.

Q: If there were one word to describe your overall District orchestra experience, what would it be? And why?

A: Entertaining because so much happened with friends in the short time of the festival.

Q: What are your goals for Regions orchestra?

A: My goals are to advance to States and learn more from it.