With synchronized rhythms, vibrating strings and harmonious tunes, orchestra students play their instruments with passion and pride in order to fabricate the perfect sounds and create beautiful music. Over the past few weeks, the orchestra’s musicians have competed in All-Region and have auditioned for All-State competitions.

“All-Region is an orchestral competition in which students audition to gain entry into the All-Region orchestra,” junior Alan Bouda said.

All-Region is open to all students in orchestra classes. However, due to the high level of competition, students must be able to play very advanced pieces and be motivated enough to put in the time and effort to learn the music. Students must be willing to work outside of the classroom and practice pieces independently from the music they learn in class. The All-Region honor orchestra selects from the best players in Region 25, a division which consists of orchestra students from all of Plano, Allen, McKinney, Prosper, Sherman and Lovejoy school districts.

“Students compete through blind auditions,” orchestra teacher and director Ryan Ross said. “This means that the judges are behind a screen and can’t see each player. Those who place high enough in the Regional competition advance to audition for All-State.”

This year, well over 500 students competed for about 100 spots in the All-Region orchestra. West had the best outcome in the region with 38 students earning membership, which was more than any other school. In December, those selected will come together to learn and perform a concert in two days.  They will work with special guest conductors brought in specially for the All-Region orchestra.

“All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive,” Ross said. “The process begins at the All-Region level with 60,000 students from around the state vying for the honor to perform in a small handful of ensembles, bands, orchestras, and choirs. Less than one percent make the final cut.”

This year, 12 students from West have moved on to be a part of the All-State Orchestra.Seniors Edward Sa and David Danjul and juniors Raymond Chen, Alan Bouda and Cedric Hu who will be playing violins while seniors Theo Lee-Gannon and Bill Tian and junior Gahwon Lee will be playing cellos. Junior Serena Cheng will be representing the viola and juniors Alice Zhao and Mikey McNamara will be playing basses.

“Alan Bouda was named the concertmaster of the orchestra,” Ross said. “This means that he was the first place violin in the entire region.”

As concertmaster, Bouda will be the leader of the string section. Sitting as the concertmaster is a symbolic honor and will allow Bouda to play any solos indicated in the violin part.

“I feel very glad to hold this great honor,” Bouda said. “Orchestra has opened my eyes to working as a team and has taught me to appreciate music.”

Aside from perfecting an art on a higher level, ensemble music teaches students to embrace their creativity and teamwork skills, which are important for success in many potential careers that they may pursue in the future.

“Orchestra gives you the ability to put a piece of your soul in every note that you play,” senior Alisha Sansguiri said. “I joined orchestra in order to show commitment to something that I love: music.”