Superior Hopkins Advanced Orchestra Nationally Recognized in NM

Advanced Orchestra of Hopkins Junior High School, Fremont, won second place this past weekend (March 6 to 9) at the National Orchestra Festival hosted by American String Teachers Association in Albuquerque, NM. All the three judges gave the ensemble "Superior" ratings. "In my 15-plus years of teaching, this was one of the best educational experiences for students that I have ever been a part of," according to music director Mr. Greg Conway, who was instrumental (pun intended) in bringing out the best of each one of his students. "The fact that the students were very successful is a tribute to the commitment on the part of parents and students."

Participants of the National Orchestra Festival included sixteen high schools and six middle schools across the nation. Hopkins 70-member orchestra was the only group representing the State of California, and it was the first time ever that a Fremont-based music group competed at a national festival.

At a preview concert held at school last Monday before the ensemble departed for New Mexico, Fremont Mayor Lily Mei and Councilmember Dr. Yang Shao came to personally express their well wishes to the students before sending them off. At the same time, certificates issued by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors were proudly presented at the concert to recognize the continual accomplishments of Hopkins Advanced Orchestra and of Hopkins Director of Instrumental Music Mr. Conway.