(PHOTO PROVIDED BY ANGIE BURTON / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA … Henry Burton and his cello. Photo credit to Rebekah Dell Photography.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
Henry Burton is a sophomore at Bryan High School. Henry started playing cello in 5th grade. This is his third year being involved in the Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestra.
He was a member of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Honors Orchestra in 7th, 8th and 9th grades. He was a member of the OMEA Regional Orchestra last year (9th grade) and was chosen to participate again this year.
Through this same state audition, Henry was also selected to be a member of the OMEA All State Orchestra, a top honor for any high school musician.
According to the All-State Orchestra Chair, there were over 450 total auditions submitted. The total number of members for All State Orchestra is 112 and there are only 12 cellists.
For OMEA Regional and Honors Orchestras, the students are provided the music for the concerts in advance and must practice and learn the music on their own.
They have one evening rehearsal and one full day rehearsal (the day prior to the performance) prior to the scheduled concert. The Regional Orchestra concert this year is scheduled for Sunday, November 17th, at 3:00 p.m. at Kobacker Music Hall on BGSU campus. The OMEA Honors Concert is in January to be announced on dates/locations at this time.
For the OMEA All State Concert, the music is being provided in November for practicing and there will be three full day rehearsals prior to the scheduled concert.
Rehearsals this year are taking place at Cleveland State University School of Music and Student Center and the concert will be held at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland on Friday, February 7th at 8:00 p.m.
Henry intends to pursue a career in music. His dream is to continue playing and become a part of the symphony, but he is also interested in other aspects of music.
Henry is also in all Honors classes and works as a host at a local restaurant. He was on the bowling team last year but is still undecided about participating this year.
He finished last year’s season with a 200 average, which was very good for a freshman. Henry is very excited to represent Bryan High School at the OMEA All State Orchestra Concert.