This past Saturday proved to be a stressful and emotional day for Orchestra students across the metroplex. Hundreds of musicians gathered at Barbara Bush Middle School to compete for the coveted spots in the All-Region Orchestra. The cavernous cafeteria was filled with a cacophony of last-minute practice runs. While the air was thick with tension and anxiety, there seemed to be an underlying thread of determination in each musician.

The preparation and practice for this day is daunting. Nestor Reyes, a Senior Bass player, spoke on the dedication needed to be successful in the competition. Having been a member of the Region Orchestra before, he knew he had weeks of practice ahead of him. His schedule consisted of rehearsals before and after school for an hour everyday, along with private lessons once a week during class. Despite his past success, Reyes was candid about his nerves Saturday morning, “I'm always a nervous wreck when Region comes up. There is nothing more unsettling than seeing 200 passionate people all fighting for a chair.”

The room is filled with the noise of complicated, and awe inspiring sounds. Fingers flying across instruments, and bows making a journey from string to string. But, practice time only lasts so long. Slowly, students begin to move to their scheduled rooms, leaving behind the discord of music behind.

As they are herded into small rooms, the judges are hidden behind a white curtain, waiting to hear the predetermined excerpts. Here, musicians begin to show off weeks of hard work, or fail under the anxiety filled environment. Those who have completed the process, are harping away about their failures or triumphs, eagerly awaiting to find out the news. Jacob Carrera, Senior Bass Player, claims his success in today's audition can be attributed to his mentors, “Thanks to the great support from [his] classmates and Orchestra director, Mr. Pierot, [he] was able to gain the confidence needed to join the region orchestra.”

And while a lucky few get to celebrate, many go home with a heavy heart. But, for those that didn't make the cut, renewed determination to make the following years All-Region Orchestra is inspired.