In the middle of February, approximately ten kids from the high school Orchestra and Band took part in the District Orchestra Festival, where they auditioned for a panel of judges in hopes of moving forward to the next level. Out of the ten kids, three students advanced to the PMEA Western Regional Orchestra Festival held from March 21st to the 23rd at Mars Area High School. Those students who advanced to Regionals were: Junior Viola player Kiana Fregly, Sophomore Clarinet player Ryan Santichen, and Senior Bassoon player Alexis Bauser.
While out in Mars, Pennsylvania, these three Richland musicians along with numerous students from around the Western PA Region were led and mentored by Dr. Alexander, a Professor at Baylor University from Waco, Texas. For three straight days, the talented orchestra and band students practiced, perfected, and performed a variety of challenging music in an outstanding concert on Saturday morning for their friends and family. Although the students came close, but did not quite advance to State Orchestra, Kiana, Ryan, and Alexis were extremely glad to be a part of a festival where they grew in their musical abilities.