January 9-11, eight students represented Beaver Area at the PMEA District 2, 3, 5 Orchestra which was held at the Collegiate Academy in Erie.

Beaver Area students who participated were sophomore French horn player Kaylee Seevers, sophomore viola player Molly O’Neill, junior cello player Eric Bouwers, junior violin player Shawn Bouwers, junior viola player Katina Playa, senior tuba players Josh Dahma and Ezra Maize, and senior flute player Cassidy Ziegler.

“I think that the District Orchestra Festival went very well this year. Our students practiced diligently prior to the festival and auditioned well,” stated Orchestra Director Ms. Caroline Poeggel.

Student musicians worked with guest conductor Dr. Timothy Dixon, Director of Orchestral Studies, Professor of Music at Messiah University (PA), and the Music Director and Conductor of the American Youth Philharmonic (VA).

O’Neill explained, “I gained so much knowledge and experience from District Orchestra, but what made it truly memorable was meeting so many talented people and building friendships.”

Shawn Bouwers earned the Concertmaster position this year (first chair, first violin), Eric Bouwers earned first chair cello, Playa earned sixth chair viola, Ziegler earned first chair second flute, Seevers earned first chair third horn, Dahma and Maize earned first and second chair tuba respectively.

Beaver Area also has five of the eight students who attended District Orchestra advancing to Western Region Orchestra.

Advancing students are Eric Bouwers, Shawn Bouwers, Playa, Ziegler, and Dahma.

Orchestra Director Ms. Poeggel added, “I am very proud of their work for the District Orchestra Festival; I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with these students and see their progression from when they first get the music to the amazing concerts they put on.”