The Natchitoches Parish School Board recognized nine members of the Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra for outstanding musical achievement. Pictured on front row from left are LaDiamond Burrell, recognized for making the All-State Orchestra in viola; Syll-Young Olson, NCHS Orchestra director; Gabrielle Edwards, recognized for making the Honors Performance Series; and Jania Wallace, recognized for making the All-State Orchestra in second violin and for making the Honors Performance Series. On back row are Madison Lemoine, recognized for making the All-State Orchestra in viola; Jazz Burrell, recognized for making the All-State Orchestra in viola; Anna Robertson, recognized for making the All-State Orchestra in first violin; Zane Harper, recognized for making the All-State Orchestra in first violin; Maelonna Braxton, recognized for making the Honors Performance Series; and Ail Harris, recognized for making the Honors Performance Series.

After an audition the Louisiana Music Educators Association selected the top high school Orchestra players to participate in a weekend of rehearsals in Baton Rouge at the LMEA conference Nov. 17-19. On Sunday afternoon they culminate with a grand performance.

The Honors Performance Series is held in New York at Carnegie Hall in Feb. 1-5, 2018. To qualify the students had to audition and be selected. While in New York these students will join other students from around the world to see the sights and sounds of New York and experience the once in a lifetime opportunity of performing in the famed Carnegie Hall.