t the end of January,  some of MHS’s talented students performed with the Missouri All-State Band and All-State Orchestra.
The students spent Wednesday, Jan. 22, through Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Tan-Tar-A Resort, near the Lake of the Ozarks, for the Missouri Music Education Association In-Service Workshop/Conference. Over the weekend, the All-State Band and All-State Orchestra rehearsed for many hours with their respective groups.

The All-State Band and All-State Orchestra performed later in the conference. These ensembles were comprised of the best high school musicians in the state.

Mike Owens, senior, was second chair in the All-State Band, meaning he was the second highest seated tuba player in the state.

The All-State Band performed on the last day. Owens said he enjoyed the experience.

“It was basically an entire four days of music,” Owens said.

Owens is a member of band and jazz band. He has been playing the tuba for five years. Owens said he likes band music because it’s more in depth than typical music. In the future, Owens plans on being a band director.

Several orchestra students participated in the All-State Orchestra, including Julia Son, Judy Luo, Julie Holzen and Eric Cho. The orchestra also was selected to perform at the conference.

There were two rounds of auditions for the All-State Orchestra. After the first round, the students found out if they made it into the orchestra. The second round determined their seating in the orchestra.

Julia Son, junior, made principal second violin. Son has been playing violin for 14 years.

Son said she enjoys the collaborative nature of playing in an orchestra.

“You have to cooperate and you have to show responsibility,” Son said.

James Nacy, orchestra teacher, said the students benefit greatly from being a part of the All-State Orchestra.

“They’re playing challenging music that they have to learn very quickly. Those are important skills,” Nacy said.

The All-State Orchestra performed on Jan. 25. The MHS Symphonic Orchestra was selected to perform at the conference on Jan. 24.

The Symphonic Orchestra submitted recordings for an audition. They were one of three high school orchestras selected to perform. Nacy said their performance was fantastic.