Learning how to play an instrument is hard.
Music is hard.
Taking that instrument and playing music that is 3-5 years more advanced than you're playing with your peers in middle school? Almost impossible.
...ALMOST.
This year, orchestra director Karah Wilson and band director Joseph Rodriguez had seven 8th grade students qualify for State Solo & Ensemble on February 28th, 2026.
They compete in Group One, which is the hardest difficulty of music performed. Students must choose off of a required list, which rates in difficulty from late high school to early college levels. Additionally, they have to receive a gold rating at District Solo and Ensemble to qualify.
To have 7 middle schoolers qualify is a great accomplishment for these students and PCMS!
Congratulations to these seven students:
