By Kevin Shannahan

The award winning Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra was featured at the Natchitoches Parish School Board meeting Thursday, December 8th. Teacher and conductor Syll-Young Olson introduced Drieann Tibbs, Jazz Burrell, James Gillyard and James Stanfield who were named to the all state orchestra. Named to the National Honor Orchestra were Madison Lemoine and Gabi Edwards who will play at New York City’s Carnegie Hall this February. Of the four students chosen for the National Association of Music Education Honor Orchestra, three were from NCHS. Madison Lemoine, Devon Mathews and Jake Stultz were named to the orchestra and played at the Gaylord Texan this past November. After the presentation, orchestra members played a piece of holiday music for the board and audience.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to commend this fine group of young people. The NCHS Orchestra has been to Carnegie Hall several times and has toured Europe. It is a remarkable record of Acievement. They are a refreshing reminder that great things happen every day in our schools.