The Avon Echo

by Isa Roberts

Symphony seniors, Colista Paul and Lydia Trigg, both made it into the Indiana All-State High School Orchestra, which is an elite group of high school student string players from all over Indiana. 

Admittance requires an audition, and if accepted, musicians will take part in a three-day event: two days of practice and a performance on the third day.  

Interested in pursuing the harp as a career, Paul is no stranger to auditions, having auditioned for college applications and summer programs in the past. This is also her second year trying out for and getting into All-State. While the event itself will not occur until January, Paul said the audition process this year was much easier than last because she already knew the orchestral excerpt.  

“Since I already knew the music, that meant I could get more feedback in the time I had,” Paul said. “That gave me the chance to have lessons with college professors and my private lessons  teacher; they all gave me good critiques.” 

Reflecting on last year’s performance, Paul said she enjoyed the experience. 

“It was taxing, but it was also such an important experience for me to have, so I could get to do something closer to what a career musician does in a season,” said Paul. 

Trigg began playing the violin when she was five years old and has been playing for over a decade. She wants to keep playing in the future. 

“It is such a central part of my life,” Trigg said. “Music is a lifelong hobby that is always worth pursuing.” 

This is Trigg’s first year auditioning for and getting into All-State. She said she looks forward to the experience. 

“What I’m most excited about is playing great music,” Trigg said. “I love being able to collaborate with new people to create an art that anyone can enjoy.”