The Orchestra and Wind Ensemble earned Commended Winner, the highest level of achievement possible, for their performance at the 2022 Mark of Excellence National Orchestra Honors Competition.

The competition was held by The Foundation of Music Education and received entries from 376 orchestras from around the country. Senior and Assistant Concertmaster Sarah Patti believes McNeil’s distinction from the other entries reflects the orchestra’s hard work.

“I hope it will make us more confident in ourselves,“ Patti said. “I know sometimes we get in our own heads, and compare ourselves to others, making it hard to perform the best we can. I’m definitely proud of my orchestra for this, and I hope they are too!”