Twelve trombones were selected from across Missouri to participate in the Missouri All-State Orchestra. Zachary Bearden (10), an OHS student, was selected to participate.

On Dec. 3, Bearden went to Hickman High School in Columbia, MO to perform on his trombone in front of a series of judges. In order for Bearden to make All-State Band/ Orchestra, he had to score a certain amount on all of the auditions. Over 1,000 people from different schools auditioned, making for one long, eventful day.

“Auditions were held from 9-12 p.m. On my first audition, I basically did a series of scales and then, later on that day, they had call backs,” Bearden said. “Once I found out I made it, I had a second audition that was very similar to the first one.”

Bearden, along with 11 other trombone players, were selected to be in the All-Suburban Orchestra. They will have a rehearsal with all the people who made it and then perform along with All-State Band, Jazz Band, and Choir at the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference on Jan. 25- 28.

“ I’m pretty excited about it. It’s my first year, so I am excited to see what happens,” Bearden said.