Orchestra and band teacher Stephanie Byers is pleased to announce that three students from North’s Orchestra and band earned a place in the South Central Kansas Music Educators Association(KMEA) Honors Orchestra.
Sophomore Gabrielle Cain earned a place to play her clarinet, Senior Kele Irwin earned a place as a second chair violinist, and Senior Jailene Mendoza earned a place as an alternate viola player.
These students practiced for a month in advance to prepare for the audition at Andover Central High School. These students played various well-known classical excerpts with a certain level of difficulty.
“It wasn’t as scary as the past years that I’ve auditioned – I’ve gotten used to it. It was still kind of intense, though, because everyone was really nervous,” said Mendoza.
Irwin and Mendoza both said they were happy about their success but felt that they could have done better. “There is always room for improvement, but I am happy,” Irwin said.