Two Lake Belton High School Students Earn State Music Honors
Two Lake Belton High School students recently earned the highest honor a Texas music student can receive — a seat in the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra.
Freshman Emily Jeong, on viola, and sophomore Rachel Kim, on violin, were chosen after a competitive audition process that started with over 70,000 students. The final audition was held last weekend.
“We are proud to be able to offer such high-quality fine arts programs in Belton ISD and are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication these students have shown to reach this level of recognition,” Keith Zuehlke, director of Fine Arts, said. “These successes represent many hours of rehearsal and practicing, and while most musicians don’t perform for recognition, it’s always a great day when our students achieve recognition of their talent and commitment to excellence.”
Jeong ranked 24th in the state while Kim ranked 80th. Both will perform in the Philharmonic Orchestra at the TMEA convention in February.
Neither musician could believe the good news when they first heard of their placement, but once the news sunk in, they were overjoyed and excited about the opportunity.
Jeong, who takes private lessons from Dr. Kathryn Steely, started playing the violin at age 6 before switching to viola when she was 11. Kim also started playing the violin at age 6. She takes private lessons from Dr. Su-Un Kim.
“This is an incredible accomplishment, and we are so excited to celebrate them,” Jenna Burchell, director of orchestras at LBHS, said. “These students have worked very hard for many years, and it has truly paid off.”
Burchell has enjoyed watching Jeong and Kim leave their mark on the orchestra program at LBHS, and she’s certain they’re not done yet.
“Emily and Rachel continue to raise the standard for orchestra students in Belton ISD,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what they will accomplish in the years to come.”