String musicians currently are preparing for the countywide orchestra auditions scheduled for Wednesday at Kennedy Middle School. Although busy, students are finding ways to practice at home and at school.

“The hardest part [of the audition] is probably sight reading because I don’t know what they’ll put in front of me,” eighth-grader Hannah L. said.

The auditions for All-County include a playing scales, performing an excerpt from a piece of music and sight-reading a different sheet of music. The auditions are done blindly so judges cannot see who is performing.

“[I am] against seniors this year, so I don’t know if I’ll make it,” said freshman Marissa Scalise, who also participated in All-County last year. “It was really fun, and we got to spend a lot of time playing [our instruments].”

Students from all grades and anywhere in the county can audition. There are two orchestras for All-County, one middle school and one high school.

“[I think] the experience will be fun,” Hannah said. “It’s good to practice, you learn a lot and it prepares you for future experiences.”

West Shore has the most musicians from any one school auditioning.

“[All-County] puts the best musicians in Brevard school on an all-star team.” said Maureen Fallon, who is in her 12th year of participating in the program.

Those selected for All-County will miss a day of school to rehearse at Satellite High school.

By Jonah Hinebaugh

Editor’s note: Brevard Public Schools policy prohibits the inclusion of middle-schoolers’ last names on district websites.