North Hollywood : Student Musicians in Honors Ensembles

Who says only athletes can be all-stars?

At Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood, seven ninth-graders have been singled out as musical all-stars.

Five were named to the prestigious junior high honors band or the honors orchestra of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Assn. Another two garnered spots in the high school honors orchestra. Percussionist Mike Schron, bass clarinetist Ivory King, flutist Nicole Kalas, violinist Jack Li and violist Naomi Fink were among the successful applicants to the junior high music groups, which performed recently at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park.

Cellist Francine Wong was accepted to the high school honors orchestra while clarinetist Robert Elfman made the waiting list. The high school ensemble will perform Feb. 4 at Cal State Long Beach.

Ninth-graders had the option of auditioning for the junior high or high school groups.

A total of 800 public school students applied to the junior high groups, with about 230 getting slots. Another 700 applied for the high school groups, with about 210 getting to play. In preparation for performances, the junior high musicians from across the Southland practice as a group for three eight-hour Saturday sessions, said Reed music teacher Yolanda Gardea.

Working with the best musicians in his age group was an honor, said 14-year-old Jack Li of West Los Angeles.

Of the Saturday sessions, Valley Village resident Mike Schron, 14, said, “It was a long day. The other students were really into their music. They all got along because they were working for the same purpose.”