Despite being known as a very academically challenging school, ACP is successful in almost all of its sports and art extracurriculars. Music, for example, is a popular pastime for many students, and Mr. Salomone’s orchestra classes are simply marvelous. Two of ACP’s students, senior Chris Boyd and sophomore Uriel Choi, have made the Southwest All-Regional Orchestra. The Southwest All-Regional Orchestra is a highly selective orchestra for high school students and can only be joined through an audition process.

Besides Chris and Uriel’s major success, Junior High students Luna He and Ethan Lee will also participate in the Junior High All-State Orchestra in March. Luna, Ethan, Jayden Chao, Danielle Mansuri, Sneha Lakamsani, and Aurelia Marsh all earned All-District Honors Orchestra recognition.

This is what Uriel had to say about his accomplishments in orchestra so far:

Q: What instrument do you play? How long have you been playing and why?

A: I have been playing violin for about five years now as an extracurricular.

Q: When did you join orchestra? What do you like the most about it?

A: I joined orchestra in sixth grade. What I like most about it is being able to make music with others.

Q: What does it mean to make the Southwest All-Regional Orchestra?

A: It’s very important and it a big deal: our region is pretty competitive and there are many great musicians in the area.

Q: Are you going to the ABODA Festival to compete? If yes, what will it be like?

A: Yes, I am. It will be a good experience for us because we also went last year.

Q: What should we as a school expect from our orchestra members at the festival?

A: Hopefully an award.

Q: What are you most excited for?

A: I’m most excited for All-State because it is an entirely different experience compared to regionals and school. Kids from all over the state will be coming.

A huge thank you to Uriel for taking the time to answer these questions for us. ACP’s Symphonic Orchestra will be taking part in the ABODA Area Festival on March 4th at 9 am to compete for qualification to the state festival. On the behalf of the newspaper team, congratulations to all of ACP’s musicians on their personal accolades in the musical industry.