Ten students from Belton High School and Lake Belton High School were selected for the Texas Music Educators Association All-Region Orchestra after auditioning this past weekend.

Three of the students were also selected as Pre-Area qualifiers and will audition for the All-State Orchestra later this month.

“This is such an exciting time as we see our musicians’ hard work and dedication recognized,” said Keith Zuehlke, director of fine arts. “I am incredibly proud of them. I’m also proud of their directors for nurturing their love of music.”  

The students will participate in a music clinic and performance on Dec. 10 at Baylor University.

Selected students from Belton High School are: Jett Coats, cello-string orchestra; Matthew Herrera, piano; Coleman Pennington, bass-full orchestra; Sophia Rastelli, cello-string orchestra; and Collette West, viola-string orchestra.

Selected students from Lake Belton High School are: Elana Irom, violin-full orchestra; Emily Jeong, viola-full orchestra; Rachel Kim, violin-full orchestra; Soteria Shin, cello-full orchestra; and Grace Stoddard, violin-string orchestra. 

Students advancing to the Pre-Area round are Herrera from BHS and Jeong and Kim from LBHS. 

Preston Patterson is the head orchestra director at BHS. Jenna Burchell is the director of orchestras at LBHS.