WHS students earn musical accolades
by Staff Reports
Thirteen students from Watauga High School's band and orchestra program were selected for the Western Region Orchestra clinic held March 1-3 at UNC-Greensboro.
The WHS students
were chosen by audition in January and were invited to participate in one of two orchestras
comprised of the top players in the region.
Four WHS students performed
in the Repertory Orchestra, and nine WHS students were part of the Honors Orchestra.
Ross Robinette on trumpet,
Mackenzie Nelsen on bass, Belle Lehmann on cello and Zach Smith on bass were selected to play with
the Repertory Orchestra.
While at the clinic, students were ranked
through seating auditions, and Nelsen was selected as first chair bass and served as principal bass
for the concert.
The nine students selected for the Honors
Orchestra included Doria Kosmala on violin, Alina Kosmala on violin, Lynde Wangler on violin,
Jessica Wangler on violin, Alison Seramur on violin, Ryan Hellenbrand on viola, Jessie Simon on
viola, Mowa Mowa on cello and Edie Royal on cello.
Mowa was selected through the seating auditions to serve as the first chair principal cello of the Honors Orchestra.
The clinic featured more
than 200 students and their teachers from 53 schools in the western portion of the state,
including schools from Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Hickory, Charlotte, Burlington and Boone. The
event culminated with a concert March 3 in Aycock Auditorium.
WHS students were sponsored on the trip by
Watauga Orchestra director Will Selle.
Britany Green-Stimpson of Grimsley High School served as the conductor of the Repertory Orchestra, and Jim Waddelow of Meredith College conducted the Honors Orchestra.
While at the clinic, students further honed
their musical skills, increased their playing experience, explored college options at UNCG and
networked with other musicians.
Top students from the clinic will be selected in the fall to attend the N.C. Honors Orchestra Clinic at the N.C. Music Educators Association state convention.
More than 950 students in the Watauga County schools are enrolled in band and orchestra classes in the current school year.
Additional Images
); "The nine WHS students selected for the Western Region Honors Orchestra include Jessica Wangler, Lynde Wangler, Alina Kosmala, Doria Kosmala, Edie Royal, Jessie Simon, Alison Seramur, Ryan Hellenbrand and Mowa Mowa. Photos submitted.")
); "Four Watauga High School students were chosen for the Western Region Repertory Orchestra: Zach Smith, Belle Lehmann, Ross Robinette and Mackenzie Nelsen. Photo submitted.")
); "WHS student Mackenzie Nelsen was selected as the first-chair bass player at the Western Region Repertory Orchestra. Photo submitted.")
); "WHS student Mowa Mowa was selected as the first-chair cello in the Western Region Honors Orchestra. Photo submitted.")