Seth Goheen: 

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: “Baritone Saxophone.”

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: “Three.”

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: “Eager, I was excited to submit my audition and get my results.”

Q: How did you feel post audition? 

A: “Relieved. I was practicing everyday, and so much time went into perfecting my audition. I was able to breathe after the audition was over.”

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: “Excited. I checked the roster and was happy to see my name for a second year in a row, securing my spot. I also was excited to see that a few other players made it from last year, and many new kids.”

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: “Yes. Consistent listening to great saxophone players away from my horn. Memorizing and transcribing songs. Long tones on my horn. I do these everyday for a few hours spaced into 45 minute practice sessions in a given day.”

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: “Mr. Josh Hillard. He has always recognized my success while pushing me to be better in an unmatched way. My best friend Austin Parker. Amidst festivals, everything in life caught up to me. I was scattered with my school work, my job, my practicing and seeing friends and family. Austin always gives me great advice and talks that I can apply to stay happy and positive.”

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: “To be happy. Yes, my heart and soul are filled with music–that can never leave.”

Q:What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: “It will be another fun festival that I will have enjoyed in my musical career.”

Owen Carmel: 

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: “Trumpet.”

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: “This is my second year.”

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: “I was feeling pretty good–I wasn’t very nervous because I was more focused on having fun.”

Q: How did you feel post – audition? 

A: “I felt good about it. I knew, even if I didn’t make it through, I was still proud of how I did.”

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: “I was very happy about it, and a little surprised because there’s a lot of great players out there who I know are better than me in lots of ways.”  

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: “It was not my goal to make it, but I definitely wanted to give it a try. I went in with an attitude of, ‘I’ll practice however much I can and see what happens.’” 

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: “I haven’t really had ‘mentors.’  Of course, Mr. Detwiler is a huge help, along with my private lessons teacher Kent Martin. But, other than that, I haven’t really worked with anyone extensively on it.”

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: “I would like to go into music therapy and performance.  Music will absolutely be a part of my life forever, and I fully intend to use it to help people live happier lives.”  

Q: What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: “For me, it means that I’ve still got a lot of work to do; I’m proud, but I also know that making States doesn’t ‘make’ you a good musician.  I’m excited to use it as a learning opportunity, and to gather tips from people there who are way better than me.” 

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

A: “Competitions are fun, but they’re not the main point of making music. If you’ve competed in music competitions and not succeeded as well as you’d like to have, that’s okay. Make music for the love of making music, not to get a high chair placement; the only people you need to impress are yourself and the audience.” 

Jack Slusser:

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: “Trombone.”

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: “One.”

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: “Okay. I was nervous for sure, and hearing the level the people there were at made me even more nervous.”

Q: How did you feel post – audition? 

A: “Great. I did way better than I thought I would. Even if I didn’t make it, I was still proud of myself for that, but knowing the people I was going against I still didn’t think I had a chance.”

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: “I was amazed. I had already made it my goal to just enjoy the festival and didn’t think I had a chance of moving on. It felt great knowing that all my practicing paid off.”

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: “Not at all. Going into my first year I wasn’t even expecting to make Regionals and I made it my goal to just enjoy the rest of the festival. I still made it a goal to work on or at least listen to my music a lot which definitely helped.”

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: “Mr. Hillard, Mrs. Herb, Mr. Yingling and Jack Sears. They gave me something to aspire to be. Seeing how good they were at playing music, they made me really desire to get to their level one day. Plus their encouragement and suggestions really helped me to keep working to get better.”

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: “I am looking at going into nursing, though that might change. I still want to be able to play music though, probably in local community bands.”

Q: What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: “It meant a lot knowing that my hard work had paid off. I am very excited to meet the other musicians there and to learn from them to keep improving for the two years I have left. I am extremely grateful for making it and it’s given me a sense of accomplishment for the work I put into music this year.”

Nick Boose:

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: “I play percussion.”

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: “This is my first year participating in PMEA.”

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: “I was pretty nervous leading up to the audition. Even though I was prepared, I was scared that I was going to make a mistake and ruin my chances to go to states. When I was in the holding area for auditions, all of my nerves went away.”

Q: How did you feel post – audition? 

A: “I felt good about my auditions, but I felt like it wasn’t enough to move on to All-State. Because I was the only sophomore in my section, I thought that the seniors that have done this before and have a lot more experience with auditions would beat me. That night, I planned on how to control my emotions if the results didn’t go my way.”

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: “When they announced that I got 2nd chair and I was moving on to states, I was thrilled. It was nice to know that all of my hard work paid off. Even though I still have to practice for All-State, I am excited to participate in the festival.”

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: “My original goal was to make District Band. After that, my goal shifted to making Region Band and then All-State. I practiced everyday and played through all my parts to ensure I was good with everything if they pulled something unexpected for auditions.”

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: “I have been fortunate enough to have two mentors throughout my time with PMEA. Mr. D’s support has lessened my nervousness and gave me more confidence going into auditions. My private lesson teacher, Mr. Burkle, has provided me with his knowledge regarding percussion for the last several years. I very much admire his skills as a musician and his experience being a All-State musician when he was in highschool. It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am to have a teacher of his caliber.”

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: “After high school, I want to attend college. The universities I am looking at all have a good music program. This is important to me because I plan to participate in either the Marching Band or Concert Band. Even though it is unlikely that music will be my major, I still want it to be part of my college experience.”

Q:What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: “This means a lot to me. At the beginning of the year, I thought that it was nearly impossible for me to go to states. This being the first year of eligibility to do PMEA, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It has given me a sense of achievement and I am proud to be representing Altoona at the All-State festival.”

Sky Rutherford 

Q: What vocal part do you sing?

A: “Alto I.”

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: “Three years.”

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: “I was feeling okay. I felt prepared but at the same time I was very anxious because this folder was extremely challenging.”

Q: How did you feel post – audition? 

A: “I was overthinking for sure, but overall I felt like the mistakes I made during my audition weren’t bad enough to the point where I would get a horrible score.”

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: “I felt relieved but also stressed. Finding out results is more bittersweet than exciting no matter what the outcome is.”

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: “I would say my goal was to just do the best I could with the time I had. It’s a very humbling experience that tests your limits, especially in preparing for auditions.”

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: “Definitely Mrs. Sipes. Although she left before Region Chorus this year, she still tried her best to make time for us. Before she left, she was probably my biggest motivator and really pushed me to be the best I could possibly be. I will forever be grateful for what she’s taught me throughout my years in PMEA.”

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: “I will be attending Juniata College for Psychology and Social Work. I have already had my audition for their choir and music scholarship and am so excited to say that I will be a part of their choir come this Fall (I will find out about the scholarship later in the year). Apart from that, I hope to participate in other music groups here and there throughout my years in college.”

Q: What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: “It means a lot to me and really motivates me to continue my connection with music. I am extremely thankful for this opportunity once again and am so excited to be a returning All-State musician for 2025.”

Ethan Peterman:

Q: What vocal part do you sing?

A: “Bass II.”

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: “This is my third year with PMEA festivals.”

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: “To be honest, I felt pretty discouraged. As a result of my circumstances with auditioning for colleges, I hadn’t even looked at my folder until a week and a half before the festival, so I was not expecting to make States, especially with the challenging folder that we had.”

Q: How did you feel post – audition? 

A: “I didn’t really feel any better. I felt like I had flubbed up my first audition piece even though my second one went pretty well.”

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: “I was completely floored. After two straight years of not even placing in the top ten at regionals, I was certainly not expecting to finally make States. I was extremely happy with the results but also quite shocked by it.”

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: “I had originally wanted to make states with this being my senior year, however as time progressed I had so much going on with the musical and class work and other stuff, so I just accepted the fact that I was probably not going to qualify for states this year. However, I still spent as much time as possible on my folder so that I could be prepared for the festival. I would run through each song every day until the festival and then go back and fix the things that went wrong.” 

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: “All of my music teachers that I had have inspired me to work hard for the things that I love doing which is music. They have helped me grow not just as a musician, but as a person as well.”

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: “Music will be a part of it because I plan on going to school for music education and majoring in voice.”

Q: What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: “It means a lot to me because I have always wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father, who also made states his senior year for chorus. His love for music is what got me into music and I am extremely appreciative of the support he has given me along with my mom.”

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

A: “If you ever think you are not good enough to be able to do something, still try it anyway because you never know what outcomes you’ll get. Even if you don’t make states, you are still good enough and just try again next year.”

Gabrielle Beldin:

Q: What vocal part do you sing?

A: “I sing Soprano Two.”

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: “This year is my second year competing in PMEA.”

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: “I was nervous, but not as nervous as I typically am for auditions. I was one of the first to audition so I didn’t have a lot of time to ponder and get worried.” 

Q: How did you feel post – audition? 

A: “I felt okay about my audition. I was more glad that it was over. I knew that there were some things I could’ve done better in the audition, but I didn’t do awful. I also didn’t want to ruminate on it too much.” 

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: “I was very shocked and relieved. I was really nervous when they were announcing names. I was happy when I made it and didn’t have to worry anymore.”

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: “It was a goal of mine to make it to states because I was so close to making it last year. After I learned the music I would run through each piece, often multiple times each night and then try to fix and tweak things that I could do better. If I made a mistake I would repeat the part until I got it right.” 

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: “I think all my friends that have also done PMEA have been my biggest inspiration. Each of them works so hard and it inspired me to work hard as well, even when I felt tired.”

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: “I plan on majoring in veterinary medicine, but I still plan on keeping music in my life either by singing in choir or just singing in general.”

Q: What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: “It means a decent bit to me. It’s nice to know that all the practice and time I put into something paid off.” 

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

A: “While making states is a great accomplishment and I am proud of myself, PMEA does not define someone as a good or bad singer because singing is very subjective.”

Hannah Jack:

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: “Violin.”

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: “This is my third year participating in PMEA Orchestra.”

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: “I was fairly calm because we had very limited time to prepare so I knew I had done my best and I never expected that I would make states so I was already very proud to be a part of the experience, regardless of where I am seated at States. It was also a video audition so I could record it at home and in my own time, which helps with nerves.”

Q: How did you feel post – audition? 

A: “I felt relieved that I had finished my last PMEA audition, but it was also bittersweet because of it. I have made so many memories at PMEA festivals that it was somewhat difficult to know that I was finally finished.” 

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: “I was overjoyed and completely shocked. I was so focused on listening to names and so full of anticipation that I barely noticed my own name. When it really sank in though I was so excited but still surprised.”

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: “My goal the past few years has been to eventually make it to States but I did not know if I could expect that this year so I just went into it with the goal of learning the music to the best of my ability and getting the most out of the experience that I could, which I think really helped me. I ended up practicing all of the music more thoroughly whenever I had time because instead of focusing on specific spots, I just enjoyed the songs and wanted to make my overall performance of them better. I practiced the pieces a lot with my private lesson teacher, on my own, and with our group at school. As we got closer to the festival I really tried to perfect the more difficult spots, which also happened to be likely audition excerpts.” 

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: “My greatest mentor has been my private lesson teacher, Hannah Lin. She has really helped me to grow as a musician throughout high school and has always been very supportive of me. Not only does she help me learn music and musical techniques, but she has taught me things about being part of an orchestra or an experience like PMEA and her encouragement to just do my best and have fun really helped me going into the audition. I would also like to thank Mrs. D for encouraging me and all of our PMEA students and for reminding us that an audition is only a moment in time, so to go in with confidence.”

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: “After high school I plan to attend Carnegie Mellon University to attain my masters in Data Science. I do not know if I will minor in music but I know that music will always remain a part of my life. I plan to join my college’s all-university orchestra and take advantage of as many musical opportunities as possible.”

Q:What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: “Making States this year really means a lot to me, especially since it is my senior year and getting to experience the State orchestra has always been a dream of mine. I am very thankful that I will get to be involved in the state festival. Every PMEA festival that I have attended has been a wonderful experience. Even at regions this year I was overjoyed to be part of such a talented musical group so I am very excited to have made States.”

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

A: “I would like to thank my family and everyone who supported me throughout PMEA. Their encouragement has meant so much to me. I am very thankful for all of the wonderful experiences that I have had with friends throughout PMEA.”

Melissa Krainer:

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: “I play the violin. This year, I played the Violin I part at the District Orchestra festival, Violin II part at the Region Orchestra festival and I’m going to play the Violin II part at the All-State Orchestra as well.”

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: “This is my second year in PMEA.”

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: “I was a little nervous leading up to the audition, but the state audition works differently than the other festivals. For the District and Region festivals, each musician has to play their audition at the festival. The auditions are blind—meaning that the people evaluating the audition have their back to the musician so that only their playing skill is what influences their seat in the orchestra. At the State festival, we had to send in a recorded video audition that met certain requirements. We only had four days to complete it, and the audition submission window opened right after we returned from the Region Orchestra festival, which resulted in some stress. However, I think I did the best I could’ve done in that short time frame.”

Q: How did you feel post – audition? 

A: “I was happy that it was completed, and it is a relief that I don’t have to stress over the music and auditions at States since they’re already completed. That way, I can truly enjoy practicing and the festival itself. I can really experience and feel the music in an amazing environment with individuals that are just as passionate about music as I am.”

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: “I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it; I thought I hadn’t done well in the audition room at all. One of the audition pieces was also a surprise to me in a part I hadn’t practiced as much, but when I found out I’d made 8th chair in the Violin II section (they take the top 8 to States), I was thrilled. I can’t describe the joy I felt.”

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: “Honestly, I just wanted to see how far I could go and enjoy the time at the festivals. My practice routine entailed practicing the pieces with my private violin teacher, practicing the pieces with Mrs. Detwiler and the rest of the group at the scheduled practices, and spending a lot of time perfecting the pieces. I spent a lot of my free time trying to perfect the places that my private teacher thought would be good potential audition spots.” 

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: “My greatest mentors are by far Mrs. Detwiler and my private violin teacher, Ms. Verzella. They are both absolutely amazing musicians that are incredibly talented and amazing people. Ms. Verzella has helped me through every audition in the past several years, and both have helped me grow so much as a player and person. I couldn’t have asked for better teachers.”

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: “I plan to pursue a career in STEM, most likely with a focus on chemistry, physics and math. Right now, I plan on being a chemical engineer with a focus on lessening the effects of climate change on the environment, but I’m sure that I will continue to play my violin even through my studies and career. It would be great to find a college or small group that I could play with on a regular basis.”

Q:What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: “I think making States has really helped me become more confident in my playing and has helped me meet so many amazing people. It means so much that I am given the opportunity to play in a symphonic orchestra with so many other musicians, and I’m thrilled I made it to States this year.”

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

A: “I’m super grateful for everyone that has got me to where I am today and to the PMEA organization for hosting these festivals. Music has become such an important part of my life, and I’m excited to share our music with others at States.”

Morgan Hollern:

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: “Viola.”

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: “This is my first year participating in the PMEA festivals.”

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: “Honestly, the audition was a little different than anything I’ve played. I wasn’t really nervous because I’m already there so it’s not like I’m advancing any higher this year for PMEA.” 

Q: How did you feel post – audition? 

A: “I felt calm, I honestly wasn’t going to expect much. It’s my first year in PMEA so I’m just trying to get used to things.”

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: “Super surprised because I could have sworn that was the worst audition I have ever done in my entire life.” 

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: “Yes, but honestly I didn’t work as hard for it as I should have. The only times I would really practice was at rehearsals, then like 2 weeks prior to the festivals is when I would start stressing and practicing a lot.” 

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A:”Mrs. Detwiler obviously, she always encourages me whenever I question  my abilities, Also My lesson teacher Mrs. Wright because she helps me work through everything and always helps me with music whenever she finds free time in her schedule.”

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: “I actually have no clue, I will probably go to college to Major in Music Education.”

Q:What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: “It has definitely helped me become more confident in my playing. The bonds I have made along the way are also very important to me.”

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

A: “I’m so excited to be with friends and participate in these festivals, playing with people with similar skill levels and similar interests is so enjoyable. It also helps me become stronger as a player and helps make me a better sport. Everyone at the festivals are so supportive and help support each other and are excited for one another instead of bringing each other down. It’s truly an amazing experience.”

Elexis Hawksworth:

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: “I play the viola.” 

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: “This is my first year participating in PMEA.”

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: “I was feeling very nervous leading up to my States audition. The amount of talent at the festival was definitely very intimidating, but I felt like I was very well prepared for the audition since I had been practicing a lot.”

Q: How did you feel post – audition? 

A: “I felt relieved that I finally got it done, but honestly I felt like I didn’t have the best audition. I didn’t expect them to pick some of the audition spots that were picked, and I honestly didn’t feel like I played the best that I could have. I was honestly just hoping that I was able to place in the top half of the section since there were 21 people that auditioned.”

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: “I was honestly so shocked that I made states. At Regionals, they announce every chair from last to first. It got to around 14th chair and I was so surprised that I was not called yet. They announced me as 7th chair and the top 9 made it. So, I was very surprised and pleased with how I placed.”

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: “My goal was not to make it to states this year. Since I am only a sophomore and it was my first year doing PMEA, I was just hoping to be able to advance to regions, learn more, and keep doing my best at festivals.”

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: “One of my greatest mentors has for sure been Mrs. Detwiler. Since 6th grade, Mrs. D has taught me so much about playing viola and music, and she is honestly the reason that I continued to do music and why I love it so much. Without her, I wouldn’t be at the level that I am at now. I also would like to mention my private lesson teachers Mrs. Jennifer Wright and Mrs. Maddie Walstrom. Mrs. Wright taught me many fundamentals of playing and made me the player that I am today. I started with Mrs. Maddie this past year, but she has already helped me so much, especially with all of my festival music and getting me prepared. All of them are extremely talented and inspiring musicians who have overall just been such great mentors for me on my musical journey.”

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: “I’m still a little unsure on what I want to do after high school. I definitely want to go to college, and I’m thinking maybe for law or criminology. I definitely think music will still be a part of my life after high school, and I plan to maybe teach lessons and be a part of a symphony.”

Q:What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: “It means a lot to me to know that I worked very hard to get there and I’m very proud of myself because honestly I didn’t think I was going to get here this year. This makes me want to push myself even harder to work my way up in chair placements for future festivals.”

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

A: “I am extremely thankful and grateful for this opportunity and everyone who was able to help get me here. Even though I am only a sophomore, PMEA festivals have already been so beneficial and helped me grow as a musician. It is great to be able to play at such a high skill level with other people my age, and make new friends along the way.”

Andrea Slusser:

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: “Cello.”

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: “Three years.”

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: “I was very nervous as this year was the last year in which I would have had the opportunity to advance to states. I spent a lot of time preparing for the festival, and I tried to stay motivated in order to audition well.”

Q: How did you feel post – audition? 

A: “After my audition, I still felt anxious. I was confident that I auditioned to the best of my ability, but I was unsure of the results. However, when I heard that I finally made it, I was overjoyed and so grateful for the opportunity to perform at the PMEA All-State Festival.”

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: “I was so excited that I advanced to states. Performing music has been one of my greatest passions for numerous years, specifically with the cello. For that reason, I am elated to perform with a skilled orchestra at the upcoming festival.”

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: “Making states was a very significant goal for me this year as it is my senior year. Therefore, I spent countless hours practicing the music every week to make sure that I was well prepared for the audition.”

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: “I feel that my greatest mentors throughout my time participating in PMEA festivals would include Mrs. Detwiler, my orchestra teacher, and Mrs. Bookhammer, my private lesson teacher. Mrs. Detwiler has guided my musical education from a young age, and she has molded me into the person that I have become. Comparably, Mrs. Bookhammer has helped me to grow my performance skills on the cello and she has taught me so much. I am very appreciative to both of these musical educators as they have shaped me into a young musician worthy enough to advance to states.” 

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: “After high school, I will be attending Penn State University to study veterinary and biomedical sciences. Throughout my time in college, I hope to participate in both community and collegiate orchestras. Even after I graduate from college, I wish to participate in a local symphony and teach private lessons as music is very important to me.”

Q:What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: “By making it to states this year, I have gained a lot of confidence in my abilities to not only play my instrument, but to audition well under pressure. I feel that advancing to states has made my hard work worth it and I am so very proud of all that I have been able to accomplish.”

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

A: “I am very grateful for this opportunity, and I hope that other young musicians will be able to pursue the same pathway. PMEA All-State Festivals will enable us to grow our skills and to become part of a wonderful community; therefore, all of us are fortunate to be a small part of it.” 

*Andrew Sackett was unavailable to comment*