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Washington Evening Journal
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WACO students shine at SEISTA Honor Orchestra Festival
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BETTENDORF – Fourteen students from the WACO Community School District orchestra program showcased their talents at the prestigious Southeast Iowa String Teachers Association (SEISTA) Honor Orchestra Festival on Saturday, Jan. 18, in Bettendorf. This milestone event highlights the growth and success of the district’s orchestra program under the direction of Holly Reyner.
The festival brought together top student musicians from across Southeast Iowa, offering participants the opportunity to refine their skills, audition for chair placement, and collaborate with peers from other districts, including Bettendorf, Davenport, and Iowa City. The students worked on challenging music throughout the day with their peers and talented directors.
Following auditions and a full day of intensive rehearsals, students concluded the festival with a concert performance.
Participation in SEISTA serves as a stepping stone for many students aspiring to perform at the state level through the Iowa String Teachers Association (ISTA) Honor Orchestra Festival in May. SEISTA provides a rigorous platform for young musicians to develop their technique and performance abilities while engaging in a collaborative orchestral environment.
The WACO orchestra program has been steadily growing under Reyner’s leadership. A dedicated educator, Reyner has played a crucial role in cultivating the district’s young talent, helping them reach new heights in musical performance. The program’s recent achievements, including participation in SEISTA, reflect the dedication of both students and their director.
This year’s SEISTA Honor Orchestra participants from WACO included:
- Carter Roberts (6th - violin)
- Makinley Davis (6th - violin)
- Peyton Davis (6th - violin)
- Blake Meyer (6th - viola)
- Preston Lasek (7th - bass)
- Reese Roth (8th - violin)
- Mya Donaldson (8th - violin)
- Macie Carter (8th - violin)
- Brinley Conrad (8th - violin)
- Braxton Stauffer (Junior - bass)
- Tanner Egli (Senior - cello)
- Ally Rinner (Senior - violin)
- Morgan Meyer (Senior - violin)
- Elyssa Graber (Senior - violin)
For WACO’s music department, participation in SEISTA is not just about individual achievement but also about fostering a culture of excellence in music education. As the program continues to expand, WACO’s young musicians are proving that dedication and passion can lead to remarkable growth and success.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
