The selection process for the Orchestra All-State competition took place on Saturday at Lawler Middle School with Redhawks performing a recording for the chance to be selected for the All-State orchestra in February in San Antonio. .

“There, we will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform with our ensemble in front of thousands of Texas music educators in attendance,” sophomore Kevin Xu said. “The audition process starts at all region, and then top chairs from region record for state. After three more rounds, the final placement will be decided for strings.” 

For junior Rishab Srivatsan, practicing each day has impacted him positively. 

“I am preparing by practicing a couple hours a day individually, playing for my peers weekly, and taking private lessons with teachers,” Srivatsan said. 

The rehearsing techniques throughout this process have helped senior Jayden Song see new ways to help future practices. 

“Preparing for All-State helped me realize that run-throughs and slow practice are the most effective ways to practice,” Song said. 

For some orchestra students, this is an important chance to show their skill as the top orchestra players in Texas. 

“All-State is seen as really important because it’s viewed as one of the highest honors a high school instrument player can achieve,” Xu said. “It may not be completely fair, but it’s the only way musicians from all around the state can directly compete with each other.”