News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Peter Lund selected for All-State Orchestra

Each fall, serious music students get the chance to audition for an elite group of student musicians. The competition is difficult, the standards are high and the chance of being selected is slim.

Students audition by submitting a tape demonstrating their mastery of a musical instrument. Thousands of students from across Oregon apply for the coveted positions. Of those thousands only around 100 will be selected to play in Oregon's All-State Orchestra.

A panel of judges from around the state listen to and critique the tapes, whittling the contenders down to a select few for each instrument. Sisters High School student and trombone player Peter Lund was the sole student to be selected from Sisters.

Sisters Middle and High School band teacher Lia Morgan is extremely proud of Lund's accomplishment.

"Not only is his achievement admirable," she said, "but being chosen as a freshman is quite rare." 

Lund joined around 100 of the best young musicians between the ages of nine and 12. Lund was one of 10 trombones in the orchestra.

The All-State Orchestra performed February 15-17 at the Portland Convention Center. Morgan explained that Lund registered on a Friday and rehearsed for six to seven hours per day. Gary Gilroy was the guest conductor for Lund's group.

"Mr. Gilroy is well known in his field," said Morgan. "It's such a great opportunity for Peter to work with such a highly respected conductor and composer."

Morgan was doubly excited to be back in the Portland Convention Center. Ten years ago, she was in the same place rehearsing after she had been chosen to represent her high school. Going to All-State is one of Morgan's favorite high school memories. Going back as a teacher and sharing that experience with Peter was gratifying.

"It was fun to see my student get that experience too," she smiled. "I'm hopeful that Peter's going to All-State will encourage more students to try out and go."

For more information contact Lia Morgan by email at [email protected]

 

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