Three local students qualified for the All National Honor Orchestra sponsored by the National Association for Musical Education. The NAME All-National Honor Ensembles (ANHE) represents the top performing high school musicians in the United States. So much more than a musical ensemble; it is a comprehensive, musical and educational experience. The ensembles met at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, Nov. 10-13 under the baton of leaders in the field of music education.

The students are Jake Stultz and Devon Mathews of LSMSA(both formerly of NCHS) and Madison LeMoine of NCHS. All are students of Mrs. Syll Young Olson, who is their sponsor for this amazing opportunity. All three toured and played in Europe this past summer with the Natchitoches Orchestra and performed in Carnegie Hall In March 2015. They are also performing with the NSU Orchestra this year. Jake has been under the direction of Mrs. Olson since the beginning of his musical career and Devon and Madison were directed by Katrice Lacour at NSU Middle Lab during their middle school years.

To qualify for All Nationals, the students had to qualify for and participate in their All State Orchestra last year. Then, they submitted a video audition that was judged and the finalists were selected. This honor reflects their dedication to their music and the incredible influence and direction of their sponsor.

Pictured from left are Devon Mathews, Madison Lemoine, Syll-Young Olson and Jake Stultz.