Five Harker instrumentalists were selected for the 2014 All-State Honor Band and played in formal concerts over the weekend, and another student was selected for the National Youth Orchestra and will perform with that group this summer.

Victoria Ding, grade 10, flute; Andrew Kim, grade 10, double bass; Austin Lai, grade 11, viola; Kristen Park, grade 10, soprano clarinet; and James Shaw, grade 8, trombone, were selected from more than 1,700 applicants statewide by the California Band Directors Association, an affiliate of the California Association for Music Education. “This is the ninth straight year we’ve had students in all-state,” said Chris Florio, upper school orchestra director, “and this is the largest number of students we have had accepted in a single year.”

Those selected played in a concert band, jazz band or orchestra in Fresno following concentrated rehearsals. “James is a member of the Grades 7-8 Orchestra and Middle School Jazz Band this year,” said Dave Hart, middle school orchestra director.  “He was first chair in the Junior High All-State Band. This was a great opportunity for James, who said that he left the experience inspired by the music and new friends he made.”

In other exciting music news, Helen Wu, grade 11, was recently accepted to the National Youth Orchestra. Wu has not yet committed to the program, but being accepted “is a huge honor,” said Florio.  “It is a month-long program that is sponsored by Carnegie Hall and is 100 percent free. The orchestra is extremely competitive to get into. The orchestra will be conducted by St. Louis conductor David Robertson and will tour the U.S., performing at such halls as Carnegie, Disney Center and others.”

Congratulations to all six honored performers!