Gabrielle Hemlick became the first violinist in school history to qualify for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Orchestra after placing first in her category at the Central Regional Orchestra Festival in Hershey on March 12. She placed first out of sixteen second violins from 17 different Central PA counties.
The PMEA Orchestra Festival Program is a highly competitive process that Hemlick has participated in for all four years of high school. It begins in December of each year when hundreds of young musicians across the state audition on scales, a solo piece, and sight-reading for entry. Out of over 100 violinists in her home district, Hemlick was one of 24 second violins selected for District Orchestra, where she re-auditioned on orchestral music and placed first this year. She then proceeded to Regional Orchestra and, after re-auditioning, placed first again on March 11-12. Only four second violins qualified for State Orchestra.
The PMEA All-State Conference, which consists of Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Chorus, Concert Band, and Orchestra takes place in Erie from April 19-22.