PMEA Western Region Orchestra Festival was hosted at State College Area High School March 8 and 9. Three students represented Beaver Area: Jack Bragg (viola), Audrey Maize (bass) and Ian McCarty-Cogis (bass).

Due to bad weather, the students' concert was moved up a day, which removed an entire day of rehearsal. Despite this challenge, these students worked hard to put on a great concert, even skipping breaks and rehearsing long hours.

The students worked with conductor Mr. Douglas Droste, the director of orchestral studies at Baldwin Wallace University.

“It was enlightening to play challenging music with talented players, and I deeply enjoyed my time there!” said McCarty-Cogis.

McCarty-Cogis will also be advancing on to All-State Orchestra later this month, which is being held April 22 in the Poconos.