On March 28th, orchestra students from North Augusta High School had the opportunity to perform in the Garcia Orchestra Festival. This music festival featured the talents of students from Aiken County ranging from 6th to 12th grade. At the end of the festival, students performed in a concert, which anyone could attend.
This event is made possible by Carlos and Karen Garcia, who have been involved with orchestra in Aiken County Public Schools since 2005 and have sponsored the Garcia Orchestra Festival for over ten years. Hundreds of students get to attend and perform in this festival.
The festival did not occur in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic. The 2022 festival was the first to occur since.
Grace Gill, a senior member of our Wind Ensemble, had the chance to attend the 2022 Garcia Orchestra Festival.
She had an amazing time, and said it was a valuable opportunity, as “after high school, most bands are full symphonies”.
Students in a high school classroom often do not have the opportunity to perform in a full ensemble. This was her first time performing with string instruments, as most symphonies do.
Seniors have a great privilege in attending the Garcia Orchestra Festival, as they have the chance at winning a $500 scholarship for college, given by the Garcia family. This year’s recipients were all North Augusta High School students: Isabelle Jones, Skylar Shirey, and Andrew Towner.
Photo Credit: Katie Beth Cannon