Bluffton's young string musicians rate "excellent"

Bluffton fifth-sixth grade string orchestra and Bluffton Junior High orchestra both received "excellent" ratings in competition earlier this month.

PHOTOS OF BOTH ORCHESTRAS ARE BELOW -

The fifth-sixth graders entered Class C and Junior High entered Class A in the OMEA large group adjudicated event at Parkway High School on May 12. Rachael E. Lewis is the director of both orchestras.

The fifth-sixth graders performed "Trolls" by Peter Terry, "Yorktown" by Rodd Parrish and "Hiawatha" by Soon Hee Newbold. The Juhnior High performed "The Red Gully" by George Sweet, "An English Folksong" arranged by Terry McQuilken and "Song of Peace" arranged by Deborah Baker Monday.

Photos by Shannon Weissling

5/6th String Orchestra
Seated: Amy Jebsen, Athen Horton, Gavin Kruse, Alyssa Speicher.

Row 2: Theo Andreas, Alivia Lambert, Kaelin Weissling, Ella Armstrong, Kia Leon, Ryan Lutz, Milo Combs, Lauren Speicher,

Row 3: Rachael E. Lewis, Izzy Stechschulte, Ben Hartzler, Cole Bowers, Aliana Salazar, Mackenzie Badertscher, Landon Armstrong, Eli Staton, Jonah Rhem,

Junior High String Orchestra
Seated: Tayler Nowak-Valentine, Allison Burgaze, Will Neff, Carlin Matheson.

Back row: Rachael E. Lewis, Trent Howard, Makenzy Dauterman, Libby Frazier, Ellison Pugsley, Logan Nussbaum, Kiera Rieman, Jayden Welch, Lexi White, Lauren Gray, Levi McClain, Anna Knauss, Grant Klinger, Daniel Siders, Nebraska Montgomery, Gabe Neuenschwander, Melina Meza, Elizabeth Wright, Justin Bishop.