Accomplished violinist Mariana Franco, performed in the exclusive OCPS All County Orchestra Saturday, Nov. 14. Franco was the only student from Boone to make it through the auditions.
The All County Orchestra concert was at Winter Park High School.
“[Making it to All County] means that is amongst the best musicians in OCPS, a great honor, [Franco] has excellent leadership skills as well,” Orchestra teacher Kevin Strang said.
Franco has been playing the violin for eight years and has been playing in A Gift for Music for seven years.
“I felt so happy [that I made it] because I was the only one who made it and I was proud to represent my school,” Franco said.
In addition to school orchestra, Franco has performed at a variety of venues including JW Marriott hotel, Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art, Neiman Marcus at The Mall at Millenia and various private events.
This was not Franco’s first time playing in the All County Concert though, she also earned a spot in seventh and eighth grade.
“This time [performing at the concert] was the best because we had an awesome guest conductor, Dr. David Pope. The music he chose was challenging and fun to play,” Franco said.
The musicians performed “Suit for Strings, ” “Simple Symphony IV,” and “Finale and Signs of Life” at the concert.
“I was proud of myself because I was with so many amazing musicians but sad because it is only once a year and I’m going to miss everyone,” Franco said.