Yi Cui, cello player in the Philharmonic Orchestra and sophomore, said orchestra has began to prepare for its Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) competition late April. Cui said as an orchestra they have “a lot of work to do” to get prepared for the concert. However, he said hopefully they would be able to win again.

Soo Han, performing arts co-department chairperson and director for orchestras, said, “(For the competition we) really push the envelope on the difficulty level and on what students can handle.” He said that the music is difficult but the students are really excited.

Han named the three pieces the orchestra will play at the competition. They are Peter Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 4 Finale,” Carl Nielsen’s “African Dance” and Alexander Borodin’s “Nochturne.”

Cui said his goal for the concert is “probably just doing well so I can hopefully get into Symphony (Orchestra) next year.”