They had an All County sound

January 22, 2006|By TARA REILLY

HAGERSTOWN -

After hours of practice, Williamsport High School senior Jack Bowen said he was ready to play his cello.

He was a little nervous, but he said he would try his best.

"It's fun to be a part of a big orchestra ensemble," Bowen said.

Bowen was one of nearly 170 of the best musicians in Washington County Public Schools to perform Saturday in the All County Middle and Senior High School Orchestras concert at North Hagerstown High School.

Robert Hovermale, coordinator of visual and performing arts for the Washington County Board of Education, said the students auditioned for the orchestras earlier this month.

Stephen Czarkowski, artistic director and conductor of the Youth Orchestra of Fairfax, Va., and adjunct professor of cello at Shepherd University, was the guest conductor for the All County Middle School Orchestra.

Elizabeth Schulze, Maryland Symphony Orchestra music director, was the guest conductor for the All County High School Orchestra.

Hovermale said the experience allows the students to work in a professional atmosphere.

"It's really fun to get to play with a large group of people," said Joe Taylor, who played the violin in the concert.

Taylor is a junior at Williamsport High School.

Williamsport High School Orchestra Director Ted Medcalf said shortly before the concert the students worked hard to make the night a success.

"It has been very exciting," Medcalf said. "I feel this is really going to be a wonderful evening for everybody involved."

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