Congratulations to Select Strings for their 3rd place finish at ASTA National Orchestra Festival!
On Friday March 6 th members of the Perrysburg High School Select Strings competed at the
2020 American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Orchestra Festival in Orlando
Florida. PHS Select Strings finished in 3 rd place out 20 orchestras. First place went to Cinco
Ranch High School from Katy, Texas. The second-place orchestra was from The Douglas
Anderson School of the Arts from Jacksonville, Florida.
PHS Select Strings was accepted to compete in the national competition based on an
application, past accomplishments, references and a recording. There were 20 orchestras
competing from as far as Hawaii, California, New York and South Dakota. Select Strings was the
only orchestra representing Ohio.
PHS Select Strings performed a 50-minute concert to a panel of national adjudicators. Each
adjudicator evaluated the orchestra on tone, intonation, rhythm, technique, musicianship and
repertoire. Select Strings received an average score of 95 out of 100. The program included: The
Rejoicing by Handel, Idyll for Strings by Janacek, Celebration by Matthews, Mare Tranquillitatis
by Zare, Irish Junkyard Jam by Balmages, Struggle in the Shadows by Balmages and America’s
Cup by Silva.
“This was an incredible accomplishment for the student musicians in Select Strings. I am
extremely proud of their dedication, hard work and preparation prior to the competition. Their
performance was a truly musical experience and one that we will all remember. Strings on
Fire!” Mr. Michael Smith, PHS Orchestra Director
Pictured are members of the PHS Select Strings
2020 American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Orchestra Festival in Orlando
Florida. PHS Select Strings finished in 3 rd place out 20 orchestras. First place went to Cinco
Ranch High School from Katy, Texas. The second-place orchestra was from The Douglas
Anderson School of the Arts from Jacksonville, Florida.
PHS Select Strings was accepted to compete in the national competition based on an
application, past accomplishments, references and a recording. There were 20 orchestras
competing from as far as Hawaii, California, New York and South Dakota. Select Strings was the
only orchestra representing Ohio.
PHS Select Strings performed a 50-minute concert to a panel of national adjudicators. Each
adjudicator evaluated the orchestra on tone, intonation, rhythm, technique, musicianship and
repertoire. Select Strings received an average score of 95 out of 100. The program included: The
Rejoicing by Handel, Idyll for Strings by Janacek, Celebration by Matthews, Mare Tranquillitatis
by Zare, Irish Junkyard Jam by Balmages, Struggle in the Shadows by Balmages and America’s
Cup by Silva.
“This was an incredible accomplishment for the student musicians in Select Strings. I am
extremely proud of their dedication, hard work and preparation prior to the competition. Their
performance was a truly musical experience and one that we will all remember. Strings on
Fire!” Mr. Michael Smith, PHS Orchestra Director
Pictured are members of the PHS Select Strings
