According to assistant orchestra director Elisabeth Ohly-Davis, orchestra members continue to prepare for the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) season in early May and their upcoming trip to Vienna during spring break, which is open to all orchestra members who are not freshmen.

Andrea Hill, Symphony Orchestra member and senior, said she is extremely excited for the ISSMA ensemble competition in May. “Last year, North Central (High School) beat us out for the best orchestra in the state, so I’m really hoping this year that we can come back and take the throne back,” she said.

In addition, Hill said a few orchestra members are preparing for the statewide ISSMA Solo and Ensemble competition, an optional event that students can participate in, either alone or with a group of other musicians. It will take place at North Central High School on Feb. 28, and only those who received a gold rating in the Group One category can compete, which was determined at Westfield Middle School at the district competition on Feb. 7.

Hill obtained a gold rating in Group One for her solo violin performance, but will not be able to make it to the state competition due to a college visit. Hill said, “I’m kind of disappointed, because I felt really prepared this year. I thought that my piece was well-done and well-prepared, and I could have done really well. In that sense, it was disappointing, but I’m relieved to not go and be judged again.”