The Concert and Symphonic Orchestras competed from April 24 to 27 at the Fiesta-Val competition in Myrtle Beach. Both orchestras received second in their divisions, with concert orchestra earning a superior rating and symphonic earning an excellent rating.

“It was a great trip and we got to see a lot of other orchestras,” junior Leah Bregman said. “It helped us get a better feel for the way a competition goes and how hard it is.”

The trip was part of orchestra’s annual spring trip. Besides the McLean orchestras, 14 other schools competed. Schools from Fairfax County included West Field, Yorktown, and Bishop O’ Connell.

“I was extremely pleased with how our orchestras did,” Orchestra teacher Gretta Sandberg. “Concert strings had a very difficult piece which they performed excellently; it made me very proud.”

Concert orchestra competes in Division four while Symphonic competes in Division five. There was approximately three or four orchestras competing in each category at Fiesta-Val. Aside from competing, students were also able to take a break and relax in the sun on the beach.

“It was great to go to the beach, I only wish it had been a bit sunnier,” Bregman said.