MADISON – Seven musicians in Bob Jones High School Band were accepted into the Alabama All-State Orchestra.

These Madison teenagers performed at the 2018 Alabama All-State Orchestra Festival on campus at the University of Alabama on Feb. 8-11. The festival was open to Alabama students at least 10 years old.

Madison band students earning a ‘chair’ in the top-level Festival Orchestra were Ben Garrett as violinist and orchestra concertmaster; Matthew Enfinger as Principal player in the Percussion section; Lynne Clark; Emma Boyd and Joy Onawola. John Yoo, who plays cello, earned a slot in the mid-level Sinfonia Orchestra.

“I am so very proud of this grand accomplishment of these students, and I appreciate the direction of our band directors and the support of our parents. Another great day to be a Bob Jones Patriot,” Bob Jones Principal Sylvia Lambert said.

Leigh Thomas is director of Bob Jones Bands. Kevin Smart is assistant director.

The All-State Orchestra organizers require each band student to audition for placement into the festival. All seven districts across the state held auditions.

Officials audio-recorded student auditions, starting from their first note played until finishing and including any false starts. In addition, the time, up to 30 seconds maximum, was included to review music before sight-reading (playing by reading music without practicing).

Alabama Orchestra Association was established to foster camaraderie and cooperation among string teachers and orchestra conductors in Alabama. The association strives to develop a comprehensive program for musical and educational benefit to both teachers and students. For more information, visit alabamaorchestraassociation.org.

In addition, AOA provides a common meeting ground and clearing house for an exchange of ideas and methods to stimulate professional growth among string teachers. The result will be progress in advancing standards of musical and educational achievement for the string students of Alabama.

Alabama Orchestra Association is a division of Alabama Music Educators Association, the state chapter of the national organization. All leaders serve as volunteers. AOA organizes presentations for AMEA Teacher In-Service Conference and coordinates the Alabama All-State Orchestra Festival.