For any fine arts program, the all-region audition process is both strenuous and extensive. But for the orchestra, where regions are not split into 4A or 5A categories and the region includes music powerhouses like Plano East, all-region is all the more difficult. This year, senior Sam Kuang and junior Ethan Smith not only made it through region, the first part of the all-region process, but will travel to Austin in late February as state competitors.
“First we had to make region, which gave us the opportunity to take for state,” Smith said. “And then you go back a couple of weeks later and play through your state excerpts, where they judge you to see if you made state.”
The entire process takes months of practice and preparation.
“I practiced about an hour a day leading up to the audition,” Kuang said.
Smith spent a similar amount of his free time in preparation.

“I practiced more for state than I did for region, because naturally the pieces for state are a lot harder,” Smith said.

The audition itself was a stressful experience for both musicians.

“It’s very nerve-racking,” Smith said. “The night before you feel prepared, but then you get there, and you walk into the audition room, and suddenly you feel like you’ve forgotten everything that you’ve learned.”

Kuang agrees.

“The whole audition process is very challenging,” Kuang said.

Despite making their respective state orchestras, the two students have auditions still to come.

“Once we get to state, I’ve already been put into the orchestra I’ll be in, but then I’ll have to audition again to get my chair placement,” Smith said.

Despite being a seasoned all-region participant, Smith still feels humbled by the all-region experience.

“I’ve learned that you never get used to all-region, and it’s always just as nerve-racking every time you go,” Smith said.