16 Pirates Play Their Way into All-Suburban Groups
Norina Shao, a freshman violin player, practices during Chamber Orchestra. She earned a spot on the virtual All Suburban Orchestra.
Despite the online tryouts and the difficulties arranging practices and instruction, 16 Pattonville musicians managed to earn the esteemed title of All-Suburban.
St. Louis All-Suburban is an honors group of students who audition and go above and beyond in Band, Orchestra, and Choir.
For the 2020-21 school year, auditions took place virtually, with Orchestra and Band students submitting their audition to the St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association by November 15. On Monday, January 18, students that were selected were announced via email.
All-Suburban Choir submissions closed on Monday, February 1. The district choir will be announced on Monday, February 15.
In order for students to register, they must play various scales and excerpts provided by St. Louis All-Suburban. For example, a Violin Orchestra player had to play a three-octave G Major scale, and an excerpt from Mozart: Symphony No. 29 4th Mov.
The following PHS students earned a spot on the St. Louis All-Suburban Orchestra and Band.
St. Louis All-Suburban Orchestra:
- Norina Shao, Violin (9th grade)
- Maya Blumenthal, Violin (12th grade)
- Elly Lu, Violin (11th grade)
- Aaron Wolz, Viola (10th grade)
- Chandler Fajardo, Viola (12th grade)
- Kenedi Jenkins, Cello (10th grade)
- Anna Kasprzyk, Bass (11th grade)
- Sydney Hoynacki, 1st alt. Bass (9th grade)
St. Louis All-Suburban Band:
Concert Band:
- Patrick Ferguson, Sophomore, Trumpet (5th chair)
- Sydney Suvansri, Sophomore, Clarinet (10th chair)
Jazz Band:
- Max McFarland, Sophomore, Trumpet (#1 in St. Louis Suburban area)
- Simon Wacker, Senior, Bass (#1 in St. Louis Suburban area)
Jazz Alternates
- Daniel Enberg, Senior, Trombone
- Alyssa Koller, Junior, Saxophone
- Kyle Manker, Freshman, Saxophone
- Isabelle Usry, Sophomore, Saxophone
For band, students will get to rehearse and perform a concert with their respective honor band, most likely virtually. In addition, these students have qualified to audition for the All State Band and Jazz Band. Those results will be announced in March.
All-Suburban Orchestra students will have the opportunity to work with LA-based conductor, Chris Thomas, via Zoom on April 17.
Congratulations to all these students on their success and dedication to their music program.
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Matthew is a senior and Editor-In-Chief of Pirate Press. In middle school, Matthew was a staff writer for Holman's Pirate Times in 6th and 7th grade. Then...
