The orchestra room is filled with luggage and students sitting in the middle of the floor as they get ready to leave Monday afternoon for their trip Monday to Chicago for the Midwest Clinic in where they were invited to perform at the annual convention.

“I think everybody’s really excited this morning,” orchestra director Julie Blackstock said. “I think there’s some nerves, but I think after everybody brought their luggages, they are super excited to see the buses and get going.”

The students will be spending approximately 15 hours on the buses and will be missing four days of school.

“I hope they will do homework and sleep primarily tonight because they will be missing school,” Blackstock said. “We also have some movies and stuff. Just things to keep the time rolling quickly.”

The students have been practicing for this concert for several months now, and have been working towards being at their best for the concert.

“I’m very excited for the concert,” Blackstock said. “Presenting everything that we’ve done and all of their hard work and that it will be a success. And also be able to enjoy there time together as a group.”