Blaire killed it in all state

[Anonymous]

https://www.mdmea.org/_files/ugd/793987_d9aec15a3e2b45cda7d940e84488d4c6.pdf

How many of these kids are from SMCS?

[Anonymous]

A lot, probably. Is there data on how many applied for each instrument and each ensemble?

[Anonymous]

They have a really good orchestra teacher.

[Anonymous]

At least for strings, you need years of private lessons to propel yourself into Maryland All State. No school orchestra can prepare you for that level. I recognize a lot of names on the violin roster, and they've all been playing for years in private studios and most are in selective youth orchestras like MCYO.

[Anonymous]

Blair.

[Anonymous]

omg, a lot of Asian last names....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They have a really good orchestra teacher.

Yes, Ms. Smolen is wonderful. My kid was able to work with her in MCYO Kamerata in the past, and thought she was incredible. She clearly brings out the best in her students. But most of those students are magnet kids, who are extremely disciplined and have parents seriously investing in private lessons etc. Both pieces are important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:omg, a lot of Asian last names....

Most driven families, most disciplined kids yes.

[Anonymous]

Interesting that River Hill HS (Howard Co) beat out Blair (16 names to Blair's 13 names). River Hill is comparable to the W schools in terms of parent income and education levels, and also not a magnet like Blair.

[Anonymous]

Do they publish the County honors ensembles anywhere?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Interesting that River Hill HS (Howard Co) beat out Blair (16 names to Blair's 13 names). River Hill is comparable to the W schools in terms of parent income and education levels, and also not a magnet like Blair.

yes, but Blair's violins are higher ranked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do they publish the County honors ensembles anywhere?

Different organization.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They have a really good orchestra teacher.

Yes, Ms. Smolen is wonderful. My kid was able to work with her in MCYO Kamerata in the past, and thought she was incredible. She clearly brings out the best in her students. But most of those students are magnet kids, who are extremely disciplined and have parents seriously investing in private lessons etc. Both pieces are important.

Oh she's lovely. She also supports the pit orchestra for the spring musical and the kids adore her.

[Anonymous]

What about Junior All State?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They have a really good orchestra teacher.

Yes, Ms. Smolen is wonderful. My kid was able to work with her in MCYO Kamerata in the past, and thought she was incredible. She clearly brings out the best in her students. But most of those students are magnet kids, who are extremely disciplined and have parents seriously investing in private lessons etc. Both pieces are important.

I suspect most are in MCYO, like we are, or PVYO, and private lessons. We spend a fortune on it all, as I am sure you have. We had her for something else years ago. We recognize a few names.