SHS Students Rank High at PMEA

SHS students auditioned for the 2022 PMEA district band and orchestra on Saturday, Dec. 4, earning places among some of the best players in the area.

Of 11 auditions, eight students successfully made it into the performance groups with three representing SHS within the band and five within the orchestra. 

Similarly to last year, because the auditions could not be held in person due to COVID-19, students played excerpts and submitted recordings to judges who then evaluated and ranked each student’s skills.

Within the orchestra, senior Ella Kloster, junior Makani Ross, freshman Harrison Mabon and junior Matt O’Brien all were accepted as violinists, ranking within the top 35 of 70 students who auditioned for that part.

Senior Zack Sharkey also earned a part within the bass section, ranking fifth of 14 players.

The annual PMEA District Orchestra Festival is set to take place at Eastern York High School on Jan. 14 and 15.

In the band, students auditioned for clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone and trumpet parts.

Freshman Chloe Warner placed third of 36 trumpet players, senior Josh Rutters ranked first of 10 tenor saxophone students and sophomore Karlye Kuhns ranked 15 out of 27 for a clarinet part.

All of the PMEA District Band students will perform at Central York High School on Saturday, Jan. 29.