Herricks High School’s Chamber Orchestra was named First Place High School String Orchestra at the American String Teachers Association’s National Orchestra Festival, with a Superior rating and the highest overall score of 59.4/60. The ensemble members departed for Atlanta, Georgia on March 8 and, following a 17-hour bus ride, rose early the next morning to perform for a panel of highly esteemed judges and members of the public.
Sixteen high school ensembles from all over the United States were selected, via an audition process, to attend this festival to compete. Of those, 13 were in the category of High School String Orchestra. Judges, guest clinicians, and music teachers in attendance commented on the Herricks students’ refined and nuanced playing, their connection to the music and their conductor and their incredible passion and showmanship. 
“These students made me as proud as I have ever been to be their teacher,” said Catherine Fish, director and conductor. “They are no longer merely students of music – they have achieved true artistry! Preparing for a National Competition is a rigorous and often grueling process that takes many months, but the Herricks High School Chamber Orchestra never balked at the work. They became a true team and worked together to create something so beautiful that it moved audience members, and myself, to tears.”
