The Symphonic Orchestra was ranked sixth in the United States at this year’s National Orchestra Festival in Kansas City on March 18.

The festival is known as one of the most prestigious in the nation, hosted by the American String Teachers Association.

Orchestra member junior Sarah Park noted that the class has been practicing for months leading up to the competition.

“We played a 30 to 40 set, and three judges judged us one to five,” orchestra member junior Jacob Monash said.

“I was very proud of their performance and behavior as they were ambassadors of the Rookwood School District and especially the best of the best Lafayette has to offer,” Orchestra teacher Joe Gutowski said.

According to Gutowski, the clinician who worked with the students before their competition was very impressed with their work ethic and willingness to experiment with different styles and techniques, which makes music a good experience for the audience.

Gutowski is very proud of his orchestra and said, “It was a very fine concert and a great honor to be invited to the competition.”