‘I was very overjoyed’: Central Oregon Symphony adds two Caldera High students to ensemble

(Update: Adding video, comments from students, teachers)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)— Two Caldera High School musicians recently were accepted to join the Central Oregon Symphony, a rare and exciting opportunity.

The two students, junior Perrin Standen and sophomore Leah May, will have their first performance with the orchestra at its Fall Concert Series on November 2nd and 3rd.

The community-based orchestra, founded in 1967, coincidentally has moved its concert series to the Caldera High School auditorium this fall after the recent demolition of the Bend High auditorium due to structural issues.

The two Caldera students auditioned for the main ensemble a few months ago and were immediately accepted to the symphony, which performs more than a dozen concerts a year. 

"I was very overjoyed," Caldera junior Perrin said Monday. "I remember going back to my car and just sitting there and calling her (Leah). I was like, "Leah, I made it in!" And then she was smiling at me, and it was just a very joyful moment. "

"I was elated to have them both in there," said Caldera High music teacher David Hymens.

He is in the symphony and has taught both Leah and Perrin.

Though they won't be paid for playing with the symphony, which is a nonprofit, the experience will provide valuable lessons.

Hymens said, "The best way to get better as a musician is to play with better musicians, and the ability to have them surrounded by some of our community's best musicians is one of the best opportunities for them."

Through their combined 10 years of experience, Leah and Perrin have advice for other aspiring musicians. 

Leah said, "Just focusing on your music, rather than focusing on others helps you, because you'll improve faster, and you'll find joy in more where you're not comparing to other people."

Perrin said, "I just kind of trust in myself that whatever I'm trying to do eventually clicks in my head, and I'll be able to do it. And then I just work at it - and then it eventually happens."