PLYMOUTH, Pa. — The sound of strings fills the auditorium at Wyoming Valley West High School. The district is hosting this year's Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 9 orchestra festival.
Student musicians from around the area auditioned for a spot in the ensemble. It's an opportunity some don't have at their schools.
"At my school we have marching band, concert band, jazz band which I am in, I play the trombone. We have a chorus and show choir but we do not have an orchestra," said Emma Renard, a senior from Dunmore High School.
Alison Simon is the president of the PMEA District 9. She says that's because many districts are scaling back or completely cutting these programs.
"Particularly for string programs, because this is our orchestra festival, we are noticing especially in the younger grade levels that there has been a decline in numbers and it seems to be statewide," said Simon.
So, for many of them, this is their only chance to play in an ensemble of such. Meaning that they are playing with other violin players or other cellists, which is a huge opportunity for them," said Wyoming Valley West Orchestra Director Christine Attanasio.
These musicians come from more than a dozen districts across the region to play together, the students spent the day polishing up all of the pieces they'll perform Friday night.
They're also vying for a spot in the regional orchestra festival next month.
"Even at schools that do have string programs, not everyone takes it as seriously as the kids here. It is really great to be in a group where everyone feels really passionate about something, and you're a part of it," said Renard.
"I'm hoping to see growth in all of these departments. That administrators, communities will see the value of music education and how well-rounded it makes our students," said Simon.
The concert will be held Friday night at 7 p.m. at Wyoming Valley West High School.