Brookville Area High School hosted six Beaver Area students January 26-28 at PMEA District Orchestra.

Juniors Jack Bragg, Cailin Downer, Ian McCarty-Cogis, and Anthony Tabone, as well as seniors Audrey Maize and Paula McCreary attended the festival.

PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) District Orchestra was comprised of students from across the Western Pennsylvania area.

These students went through a challenging audition process which involved learning a difficult piece of music, and then having to perform a small portion of said piece in front of judges. The judges, who were turned around as to remain anonymous, judged the students’ note accuracy, tone quality, and how they compared to other students.

“It was very stressful as you were called out one by one. Flutes ended up doing three auditions,” said McCreary.

The audition was not the last challenging part of PMEA district orchestra. The rehearsals for the concert included two seven-hour days spent practicing the music, as well as a two-hour rehearsal prior to the concert.

The students were led by guest conductor Dr. David Anderson, Conductor of the Johnstown Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Despite the challenge of this festival, the Beaver Area students enjoyed participating.

“It was an amazing experience to perform with so many talented people, and I made so many fun memories with all the wind [instrument players],” said McCreary, who played the flute at the festival.

“PMEA was such a fun opportunity to make music with kids who are really passionate about it. Seeing students from all over our state was a great opportunity to meet new people and I can’t wait to see them again next year,” said Downer who also performed on the flute.

The students were also accompanied by Ms. Caroline Poeggel, Beaver Area’s new orchestra director.

“These students worked very hard, put on a wonderful concert, and experienced great music,” Ms. Poeggel said.

This festival was not the end of the PMEA road for Bragg, Maize, and McCarty-Cogis who will be advancing on to PMEA Western Regional Orchestra in March.