January 26, 2017
WALNUT, CA—A total of 133 talented musicians, representing every Walnut Valley USD middle and high school, performed in honor band and orchestra concerts last weekend.
Southern California Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) hosted the annual gathering of So Cal’s best at Kennedy High School in La Palma.
Selection for the All-Southern ensembles requires a rigorous audition process that takes place in December.
This year, over 800 middle school students from across Southern California auditioned, with 56 students chosen from Walnut Valley.
Each ensemble rehearsed with a renowned conductor for two weekends before the final concert.
Chaparral Middle School 8th grader Sean Wu, who led the tuba section, was positive about being involved in honor band.
“It was a good experience. I learned many new things and my skill level went up!”
Suzanne Middle School student Elsie Lin participated in the honor orchestra for the second year in a row.
“SCSBOA is a great learning opportunity and a great way to make new friends. Although it was challenging, in the end it is worth it because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity,” she said.
All participants are also members of high-achieving bands and orchestras on their campuses.
Many of the students chosen for All-Southern will also participate in All-State ensembles in February.
Shown:
Congratulations to 133 musicians from Chaparral, South Pointe, and Suzanne Middle Schools, and Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools who performed in SCSBOA honor band and orchestra concerts held January 22-23.
Walnut high musicians Evan Wicks, Andrei Dimaano, and Matthew Distante with Dr. Mitchell Fennell at SCSBOA honor band and orchestra concert.
Suzanne Middle School 7th grade violinist Andrew Shi readies for the Honor String Orchestra performance on January 23.