On February 28, eight band students and 16 orchestra students from Alexandria City High School attended the All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Auditions 2026 at James Madison University. 

Prior to attending these auditions, students had district band auditions in December where they competed against other high school musicians from Alexandria. Alexandria is a part of district ten which also includes Falls Church. Later, the best performing members from the 16 participating districts in Virginia were selected to attend the All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Auditions at JMU. 

“This audition process was more intense than other auditions,” junior Vivian Scott said. “You drive two hours and find yourself in a small classroom with tons of people of the same instrument.”

Students spend months preparing for this and spend hours perfecting 12 pieces on top of a standard music scale to ensure their readiness for the official audition. Moreover, musicians play a piece of music they only have 30 seconds to look at and learn before performing to the judges.

While stressful, some students still feel the experience is beneficial. “Auditions teach you how to handle your nerves and how to be confident in yourself,”  said junior Margaret Montero. “Auditions provide a way to learn how to do frightening or challenging things.” 

The judging process is extremely selective with only a small percentage of candidates being chosen to perform at the All-Virginia Band and Orchestra event in April.

Despite the strenuous and demanding nature of fine arts, students attribute their passion to the community and to the feeling of satisfaction it provides. 

“Being part of a group and working together to make something we’re proud of is very fulfilling,” said junior Zoe Foster. “We work very hard, but the end result is definitely worth it.”

Foster has been in band since fourth grade and has been playing flute since before third grade. She attended JMU this past weekend where she spent the day showcasing her skills. 

Thanks to their efforts, Foster, along with Montero and senior Tyler Stone, were selected to be band performers at the All-Virginia event in Richmond, Virginia.  

In regards to the orchestra, junior Lev Dienstfrey and freshman Aiden Hunter from ACHS were selected to perform at the All-Virginia event.

Dienstfrey has been part of the orchestra since 6th grade and he plans to continue through high school. “I often find myself comparing myself to others and it leads me to totally lose confidence,” he said. “I overcame this challenge by starting to celebrate little achievements.”

Dienstfrey, along with many other musical students have found themselves being discouraged by the fear of being inferior to others. He, however, found a way to overcome this and was able to impress the judges at the All-Virginia auditions.