All-State Orchestra Includes Anderson One Students

Students from all over South Carolina auditioned for All-State orchestra on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Lexington High School. Anderson School District One students from Wren Middle and High, Powdersville High and Palmetto High were chosen from this group of talented musicians.

The All-State Festival was held Friday, February 22 through Sunday, February 24, 2013 at University of South Carolina’s Koger Center in Columbia, SC. Wren Middle was represented by 8th grade students, Racheal Owens and Skyler Lorey while Wren High was represented by 12th grade students Jada Tate, Hayden Campbell, and Colin Pate. Powdersville High was represented by Lee Street and Devyn Keen, who are both in the 10th grade. Palmetto High was represented by 10th grade student, Clint Davis, and 12th grade student, Mary-Cate Rogers.

The students had an opportunity to rehearse with world renowned conductors and gave a splendid performance on Sunday, February 24 in the Koger Center’s auditorium. The middle school orchestra was conducted by famous composer, Richard Meyer. This group performed original works by Meyer including Earogami and music inspired by traditional music of Thailand. The 9th and 10th grade orchestra worked with Anderson SC conductor, Alex Spainhour. Mr. Spainhour led the students in an exciting rendition of Verdi’s Nabucco. The 11th and 12th grade orchestra was led by the virtuoso violist and conductor, David Becker. Dr. Becker and the students performed Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet with great passion and skill. All of the groups received numerous standing ovations from the packed audience.

Anderson One orchestras are led by Candace Henry, Joshua Miller, Heather Raffini and Brian Velasco.